The recent freezing of bank accounts belonging to several human rights organisations in Georgia has raised significant alarm. Key players such as Human Rights House Tbilisi, an essential support system for defenders, and the Shame Movement, which advocates for democracy and human rights, have been affected, alongside three additional groups, namely Nanuka’s Fund, Prosperity Georgia, and Fund for Each Other 24/7. These actions come amidst a backdrop of widespread protests that erupted in November 2024 due to the government’s suspension of EU accession talks.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has claimed these organisations financially supported violent protests following the 2024 elections, despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations. The claims are associated with an ongoing investigation into alleged acts of sabotage and funding activities deemed hostile to Georgia’s governance. Most troubling is the lack of notification to the organisations before their accounts were frozen, significantly hampering their operations and ability to assist detained protesters.
Since mid-2024, under the Georgian Dream Party, there has been an evident crackdown on civil society, leading to restrictions on human rights through legislation analogous to Russia’s “Foreign Agent Law.” This suppression further escalated following the government’s suspension of talks for EU membership, resulting in renewed protests and raising concerns about media freedom. An example is the ongoing detention of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, highlighting serious threats to the rule of law in the country.
The Observatory has strongly condemned the freezing of bank accounts, viewing it as punitive against organisations committed to defending human rights and criticising police brutality. This situation undermines freedoms of assembly and association crucial for civil society. They have called on Georgian authorities to reverse the account freezes, ensure the safety of human rights defenders, and respect international obligations regarding civic freedoms.
The freezing of bank accounts for Human Rights House Tbilisi, Shame Movement, and other NGOs in Georgia has raised concerns over governmental repression and violation of human rights. The Prosecutor General’s Office claims these organisations supported violent protests amidst peaceful demonstrations, leading to significant impacts on their operations. The situation necessitates urgent calls for the reversal of account freezes and protection for human rights defenders.
In conclusion, the freezing of bank accounts for Human Rights House Tbilisi and other organisations illustrates a troubling trend of governmental repression against civil society in Georgia. The lack of prior notification for such drastic actions contravenes principles of transparency and justice, while the crackdown intensifies amidst increasing protests for democracy and human rights. Immediate actions are needed to restore freedoms and uphold human rights in the country.
Original Source: www.fidh.org
