Prepared by Messenger Staff
EU Condemns Freezing of Georgian Civil Society Bank Accounts
The European Union has called on the Georgian government to reverse its decision to freeze the bank accounts of seven independent civil society organisations, describing the move as a serious attack on democratic freedoms.
In a statement issued on Friday, an EU spokesperson urged the authorities to act without delay. "We call on the Georgian authorities to immediately reverse this decision," the spokesperson said. "This is another assault on fundamental rights and a weaponisation of the justice system as a tool of repression."
According to the EU, the action amounts to political persecution by cutting off financial resources to organisations that have played a central role in strengthening democratic life. "Civil society organisations are not enemies of the state, but the backbone of democratic pluralism and accountability," the statement continued.
Brussels also highlighted the role civil society has played in Georgia's European path, saying that it has consistently delivered "tangible benefits" to citizens. It warned that targeting such groups runs contrary to the democratic standards expected from a country seeking EU membership.
The statement concluded with a message of support: "The European Union stands firmly with Georgia's resilient and brave civil society, which continues to serve the citizens despite growing repression by the authorities."
GNDEM Criticizes Georgian Government Over Actions Against Civil Society
The Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) has condemned the freezing of bank accounts of seven Georgian non-governmental organizations, including its member group ISFED, saying the move is part of a wider campaign to restrict civic space and undermine citizen election observers.
The action was ordered by a Tbilisi City Court at the request of the Prosecutor's Office. GNDEM said the decision amounted to retribution against civil society following protests triggered by the government's suspension of EU accession talks after the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections.
"The actions of the Prosecutor's Office, like other actions of the Georgian government, limit legitimate public discourse and undermine independent civic organizations," the statement read, citing violations of both Georgia's Constitution and international human rights treaties.
GNDEM noted that the measures come just weeks before the October 4 local elections, and shortly after ISFED criticized changes to election law it said would benefit the ruling party. The group also expressed concern over the government's refusal to invite the OSCE's election monitoring office.
"GNDEM stands in solidarity with our members in Georgia and all nonpartisan civic actors whose constitutional freedoms are under attack," the network said, urging authorities to lift restrictions, end what it called "persistent attacks on civil society" and respect international obligations.
