The Anti-Corruption Bureau has removed the status of “political actor with declared electoral objectives” from Transparency International–Georgia, a watchdog and key election observer. This decision came after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze requested it, citing the interest of the state and the need to avoid external interference in the electoral process.
The head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Razhden Kuprashvili, stated that the organization had refused to be transparent and attacked the principle of the rule of law. He accused TI-Georgia of not disclosing their financial statements and hiding their activities, which he claimed threatens the right of citizens to make informed decisions.
Kuprashvili also criticized civil society as a whole, stating that their expenses are not disclosed and their activities are not transparent. He claimed that this lack of transparency could reveal financial interests behind statements made in the international arena, including those regarding the suspension of visa liberalization for the country.
The decision to remove TI-Georgia’s status as a political actor came a day after the organization announced that it would no longer be able to monitor the elections due to the label given to them by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The Bureau’s decision to follow the Prime Minister’s instructions has been met with criticism, with many questioning its independence from government influence.
Overall, this move has raised concerns about the state of democracy and transparency in Georgia, as well as the role of civil society in the country.
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