Transparency International Anticorruption Center Statement of Solidarity with Transparency International Georgia
Transparency International Anticorruption Center stands in strong solidarity with our colleagues at Transparency International Georgia amid the alarming escalation of threats, intimidation, and legal harassment against them.
The recent interrogation of Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of TI Georgia, on unfounded accusations of crimes against the State, marks a dangerous step in the broader crackdown on civil society in Georgia.
“Civil society is the backbone of democracy. It provides citizens with a platform to voice concerns, hold governments accountable, and safeguard human rights. Efforts to discredit, criminalize, and dismantle independent organizations not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in state institutions”, stated Sona Ayvazyan, Executive Director of Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC).
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TIAC expresses its deep concern that these attacks, combined with restrictive laws such as the “Foreign Agents Law” and the new Grants Law, are designed to delegitimize independent watchdogs and limit civic space.
TI Armenia emphasizes the urgency of Transparency International’s call on the Georgian government to:
End the harassment and intimidation of civil society actors.
Guarantee the fundamental rights to freedom of association, expression, and fair trial.
Ensure judicial independence and respect for international human rights obligations.
What we see happening in Georgia is deeply concerning, not only for Georgian civil society but for the entire region. When civil society is attacked in one country, it creates a dangerous precedent that others may be tempted to follow. This undermines democratic resilience region-wide and threatens the vital role of independent voices in safeguarding accountability and transparency.
For Armenia, the lesson is clear: we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the space for civil society, ensuring that organizations can continue to operate freely and independently and defend democratic principles and institutions.
We stand with our colleagues in Georgia.
Transparency International Anticorruption Center
