In a bold move viewed as punitive, Georgian authorities have frozen the accounts of various NGOs linked to supporting protesters and political prisoners. Human rights activists, particularly the Social Justice Centre (SJC), argue that this action is an attempt to quash civil dissent. The goal appears clear: to intimidate both demonstrators and the wider civil society amidst ongoing protests.
The prosecutor’s office claims the asset freezes are part of a wider investigation into allegations of sabotage undermining the constitutional order. However, they have frozen five accounts, including those associated with noted activists and funds aimed at aiding protestors, without clear legal justification according to SJC. This raises critical questions about the political motivations behind such drastic measures.
SJC critiques the prosecutor’s rationale for freezing these accounts, labelling the claims of sabotage and illegal activities as baseless. They note providing support to political prisoners and covering fines isn’t illegal in Georgia; thus, these funds should not be targeted. Items like gas masks and helmets, used for protection during protests, are also cited as non-illegal purchases, spotlighting the flawed legal reasoning presented by the prosecution.
Despite the probe being initiated on a citizen complaint, the absence of concrete legal grounds for the account freezes unveils serious flaws in the prosecution’s approach. The lack of differentiation among the accused funds further exacerbates concerns regarding due process and the potential harm to civil society operations. Without addressing such concerns, the chilling effect on advocacy and protests may be irreversible, leading to an authoritarian tightening of constraints on civil rights and liberties in Georgia.
Human rights advocates argue the freezing of accounts belonging to NGOs in Georgia, aiding protesters and political prisoners, is a punitive measure by authorities to suppress civil dissent. Legal justifications for this action are unclear, raising concerns about due process and the consequences for civil society amidst ongoing protests.
In summary, the freezing of NGO accounts in Georgia has sparked fierce criticism from human rights activists who view it as an attempt to stifle dissent and penalise civil society. With unclear legal justifications and a lack of due process, many question the motivations behind these measures. The broader implications for civic engagement and political expression in Georgia could be profound and detrimental to democratic values.
Original Source: jam-news.net
