Prosecutor's Office Accuses Several Foundations of Funding Violent Protests, Seizes Bank Accounts
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has announced the seizure of bank accounts belonging to several organizations, accusing them of financing individuals involved in violent protests and criminal activities. Based on a court ruling, the accounts of the "Nanuka Foundation," "Prosperity," "Fund for Each Other 24/7," "Shame," and "Tbilisi Human Rights House" have been frozen in all banking institutions across Georgia.
According to the Prosecutor's Office, these organizations directed financial resources toward activities that allegedly incited and facilitated unlawful actions. Officials claim that the funds were used to support individuals involved in protests, purchase equipment, and provide financial aid to those accused of organizing group violence. Some transactions reportedly included descriptions such as "necessary equipment for protests," "what is needed for the fight," and "purchase of pyrotechnics."
The investigation, covering the period from November 28, 2024, to the present, suggests that some protests held in front of the Parliament and other locations escalated into violence. The Prosecutor's Office alleges that demonstrators damaged government buildings, private property, and police vehicles while using incendiary substances, Molotov cocktails, and other dangerous items against law enforcement officers. Officials report that at least 55 individuals were injured, most of whom were police officers.
Authorities also claim that organized groups within the protests were systematically supplied with respirators, gas masks, helmets, and other protective gear, allegedly to enhance their ability to confront law enforcement. They argue that financial transactions linked to the accused organizations indicate a pattern of deliberate funding for such activities.
In addition to funding individuals allegedly engaged in violent acts, the Prosecutor's Office states that the seized funds were also used to assist the families of arrested individuals, pay legal fines, and cover other expenses. Officials contend that this financial support not only facilitated unlawful actions but may have encouraged further participation in criminal activities.
