The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has once again accused the Georgian authorities of using repressive legislation, funding restrictions, and politically motivated criminal investigations to pressure independent civil society organizations, according to a new report by the group.
According to HRW’s assessment, the laws adopted in the country effectively place all foreign funding under tight state control, introduce a stigmatizing “foreign agent” label, and provide for heavy fines and criminal liability for activists and independent organizations.
The organization believes that the Georgian authorities must repeal these measures and ensure that independent associations are able to operate without unwarranted interference.
“The government must allow independent groups to operate freely, without unwarranted interference. Georgia’s international partners should respond by increasing the cost of repression, including through sanctions, and step up support for independent organizations,” the report states.
Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, expressed the view that the government’s goal is to suppress critical voices and dismantle independent civil society.
“It is making alarming progress. The government is creating a system in which independent organizations cannot safely function, retain funding, and support the communities that need their help and depend on them,” Williamson noted.