Anti-Corruption Bureau accuses TI Georgia, Vote for Europe movement of political involvement

Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has accused Transparency International – Georgia and Vote for Europe movement of participating in pre-election political activities, in alleged violation of the country’s laws.

The Bureau claimed that both organizations, led by Eka Gigauri and Khatuna Lagazidze respectively, should be subject to the regulations governing political unions, including stricter financial reporting requirements.

In a response to the decision, Gigauri rejected the allegations, claiming her organization acted in full compliance with the Georgian Constitution.

“This is the government’s reaction to our campaign, which is aimed at encouraging citizens to vote for Georgia’s European future,” Gigauri said. We do not believe there is any legal issue. Instead, it seems that the authorities are uncomfortable with our campaign.”

According to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, monitoring revealed that TI Georgia and its leadership had engaged in activities both supporting specific political parties and discouraging support for others.

Razden Kuprashvili, the agency head, who delivered the Bureau’s statement, claimed the involvement of these NGOs in the pre-election process “was clear”.