Today’s decision by the Prime Minister-controlled Anti-Corruption Bureau, which declares “Transparency International-Georgia” and its director as an entity with declared electoral goals, goes beyond the framework of the constitution and national legislation. It reveals the government’s fear of observation missions. The Bureau’s decision labels anyone who speaks about public problems and citizens’ needs as a political actor. By this decision, the Bureau has granted itself the power to impose censorship and begin financially monitoring anyone who advocates for our path towards the European Union.
Moreover, according to this definition, political activities are considered to include the goals that non-governmental organizations serve—whether it is the protection of the interests of women, children, and disabled people, or caring for the environment. The Bureau deems any activity that serves a constitutional purpose as political activity, making it a target for attack.
It is clear that the “Georgian Dream” has turned the Bureau into a mechanism for attacking civil society instead of fighting corruption. Last year, the Venice Commission pointed out that the Bureau’s creation, its powers, accountability, and independence were fundamentally flawed. The conclusion noted that the Bureau lacks sufficient guarantees of independence and impartiality, and is weak in monitoring the declarations of high-level officials. Additionally, the appointment and dismissal of its head, rather than being based on multi-party parliamentary support, is solely controlled by the Prime Minister.
The Bureau has become the Prime Minister’s punitive apparatus against Georgia’s non-governmental sector. The government has started to enforce a Russian-style law using this Bureau. The decision underscores the government’s fear of monitoring missions.
The “My Voice to the European Union” coalition, which unites more than 30 organizations, is planning an unprecedented large-scale observation mission, “My Voice,” to freely express the will of the Georgian people on October 26. We are guided by the Georgian people’s aspiration to join the European Union, as reinforced by Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia. Party-based attacks will not stop our work. We will continue to pursue the European integration of Georgia, as well as protect democratic values, equality, freedom of speech, and fair elections.
