Representatives of non-governmental organisations have issued a joint statement condemning the coordinated searches carried out at the homes of leaders of public foundations.They characterised these actions as “yet another attempt to instil fear and suppress independent civic activity.”
“These actions particularly target those who are at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, individuals who provide essential support to our society’s most vulnerable members, including people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, low-income families, and survivors of violence. These organisations address critical needs overlooked by the state, offering food, shelter, healthcare, education, and psychosocial services to those in dire circumstances.
Employing state power to obstruct their activities is not only morally indefensible but also aims to criminalize compassion and silence those who uphold dignity and justice. The searches, conducted without proper legal grounds or transparency, appear politically motivated and represent a direct assault on civil society and democratic institutions.
This pattern is part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding in Georgia. It includes the enactment of the so-called Russian law, foreign agent legislation, media suppression, and pressure on independent oversight bodies—threatening freedom of association and expression, Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, and its international standing,” the NGOs stated.
The organisations called upon Georgia’s international partners to take a clear stance on these developments and to stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and civil society during this critical moment. “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to support those in need. We will defend Georgia’s democratic future,” the statement concluded.
