MP Sosiashvili accuses Transparency Int’l of ‘misleading public’ over grant law changes

Giorgi Sosiashvili, a member of the parliamentary majority, has accused Transparency International Georgia of attempting to mislead the public through what he described as “dirty political propaganda” regarding proposed amendments to the law on grants.

Commenting on information circulated by the organisation, Sosiashvili claimed that it is trying to confuse society about the scope of the legislative changes. According to him, the amendments clearly state that non-governmental organisations intending to influence public processes must obtain prior approval from the authorities, while money transfers sent by emigrants to their families are not affected by the law.

“What does this have to do with money sent by emigrants to their families or funding for athletes?” Sosiashvili said, arguing that the organisation was attempting to mislead young people, students, athletes and scientists.

He further stated that, in his view, groups opposing transparency legislation had “shown their true face” after the state adopted a law on transparency. Sosiashvili argued that individuals or organisations that have nothing to hide should not resist transparency requirements.

The MP added that the proposed changes to the grants law are aimed at preventing the use of foreign funding for what he described as destabilising political purposes. He said organisations seeking to receive such funding for political activities should be required to obtain state permission.