Atlantic Council: We expect Georgian authorities to shed more light on the search conducted in Tbilisi
The American organization Atlantic Council responded to the search of two of its Georgian employees’ homes, Sofo Glava and Eto Buziashvili.
The organization expressed its deep concern about the incident, and hoped that the authorities would shed light on the matter and ensure the safety and security of their employees.
“On October 24, representatives of Georgia’s investigative service raided and confiscated the electronic devices of two employees of Atlantic Council Digital Expertise Research Laboratory (DFR Lab) in Tbilisi.
“The Atlantic Council is deeply worried about this incident and its impact on our employees’ work shortly before the Georgian election.”
“Our Georgian colleagues Sofo Gelava, and Eto Buziashvili are engaged in independent and nonpartisan work to protect and strengthen democracies against those who undermine them online, including research related foreign influence efforts, targeting of marginalized group, and other harm.
“We trust the Georgian authorities to shed more light on the actions of their employees, ensure their safety and security, return their property and allow them to continue contributing to Georgia’s democratic process.
“Atlantic Council is a long-time supporter of democratic, independent Georgia and of its aspirations to become a member of the transatlantic community.
“The Digital Expertise Research Lab” publishes research that highlights the importance of discourse, objective information, and the foundations of free, open and democratic nations.
“The Atlantic Council will continue to work in Georgia, in the spirit of their mission to shape a global future with partners and Allies. The statement stated that “We will continue to closely monitor the situation”.
The Ministry of Finance’s investigative service entered the homes of Sofo Buziashvili and Eto Gelava, two Georgian employees of American research organization Atlantic Council. Sofo gelava reported that law enforcement officers informed her that several investigations were underway, including money-laundering related to the contractor HR firm of the Atlantic Council.
The Atlantic Council, also known as Think Tank in the United States, was founded in 1961. Sofo Glava and Eto Buzashvili both work to expose Russian propaganda and disinformation.
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