Transparency International condemns attack on its Georgian chapter, which will halt election monitoring efforts

01 October 2024

Transparency International expresses profound concern over an attack directed at Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia and a member of Transparency International's board. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, controlled by the prime minister, recently accused Ms Gigauri and our chapter of having "electoral goals" and designated the chapter as a political actor that is subject to relevant, restrictive regulations.

Transparency International Georgia, a prominent watchdog in the country, appealed the decision and filed an administrative lawsuit with the Tbilisi City Court requesting its annulment. On September 30, the Tbilisi City Court did not halt the decision, as a result of which, our chapter is no longer able to observe the parliamentary elections as an organisation.

These actions appear to be intended to obstruct our Georgian chapter's vital functions of combating corruption, monitoring electoral processes and ensuring accountability within state institutions.

This new attack follows the adoption of the Kremlin-inspired law on "foreign agents" by the Georgian Parliament in May 2024, which Transparency International and our chapter publicly opposed. These actions severely damage the international perception of the upcoming parliamentary elections, as elections can only be considered free, fair and competitive if those who monitor them are not pressured and ultimately deprived of the opportunity to conduct their work.

It is disturbing to witness the misuse of the Anti-Corruption Bureau to make such unfounded accusations, which appear to aim to silence and weaken civil society's fight against corruption and undue influence on those in power.

We urge the government of Georgia to reverse the latest decisions by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and to revoke the "foreign agents" legislation, as they harm Georgia's international standing and undermine civil society's role in promoting democracy and the rule of law.

We also call on the authorities to immediately the smear campaign against Georgian civil society leaders, including representatives of our chapter, and to ensure that the civil sector can operate freely without intimidation or hostility.

François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, said:

"For over 24 years, Transparency International Georgia has been a prominent anti-corruption watchdog in the country. They are a highly respected civil society organisation in the country and abroad. These unacceptable attacks only emphasise the vital importance of Transparency International's mission in Georgia to monitor and speak up to power. Our commitment to Georgian society is strong and we will not back down, continuing our fight against corruption with undeterred determination."

Countries

• Georgia