"United Kingdom criticizes Georgia for politically influenced freeze on NGO bank accounts"
British Embassy Urges Georgian Authorities to Reverse Decision on NGOs
The British Embassy in Tbilisi has expressed concern over the Georgian Prosecutor General's Office freezing the accounts of seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Georgian Democracy and Development Union (GDUK) and related civil society groups.
In a statement, the Embassy believes the move appears politically motivated and aimed at silencing independent voices. The Embassy calls for an end to attacks on civil society in Georgia and urges the Georgian authorities to engage in a national dialogue with all stakeholders to find a solution to the current crisis.
The Embassy's statement does not specify any new details about the alleged sabotage investigation that the freeze is part of. However, it does refer to a recent opinion by the Council of Europe's Expert Council on NGO Law, which concludes that the implementation of Georgia's new legislation would cause "grave and unjustified damage to civil society". The Council states that the legislation contradicts the commitments Georgia has undertaken as a Council of Europe member state.
The targeted NGOs are involved in promoting free and fair elections, defending freedom of information, providing legal aid, and supporting various groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence. The Embassy warns that closing down these NGOs will harm the Georgian people and further erode democratic protections and accountability in Georgia.
The Embassy's statement does not mention any new NGOs that have been targeted. It also does not provide any new evidence to support its claims. The statement does not indicate any changes in the UK's stance on the situation in Georgia. The Embassy's statement does not mention any potential consequences if the Georgian authorities do not comply with the call.
The UK also refers to the Council of Europe's concerns over the situation in Georgia. However, the Embassy's statement does not provide any new information about the Council's concerns or opinions. The Embassy's statement concludes with a call for the Georgian authorities to engage in the dialogue.
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