Georgia Freezes NGO Accounts Amid Coup Plot Accusations

Tbilisi has escalated its confrontation with civil society, as a court approved the freezing of bank accounts belonging to several prominent non-governmental organizations. The move stems from an official investigation into an alleged coup attempt during the turbulent protests of late last year, which saw the capital’s center descend into chaos fueled by fireworks and clashes with law enforcement.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the targeted NGOs, which the government labels as being under foreign influence, systematically organized and funded the unrest. Authorities claim these groups supplied protesters with gas masks, helmets, and other gear to facilitate violent actions against police. Members of the ruling Georgian Dream party have openly supported the asset freeze, with Vice-Speaker Gia Volsky alleging the NGOs had a detailed plan for a government overthrow that was intended to result in bloodshed.

The opposition has condemned the decision as another decisive step towards establishing an authoritarian regime and aligning Georgia more closely with Russia. Critics warn that this crackdown directly jeopardizes Georgia’s hard-won visa-free travel agreement with the European Union, framing the NGOs as a final barrier to absolute rule. ‘The Georgian Dream wants to finalize its consolidation of power by the end of the year, and human rights organizations are the main obstacle,’ stated one opposition leader.

Among the affected organizations are the Civil Society Foundation, the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), and the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information. Prosecutors allege that beyond organizing protests, these groups used their funds to pay legal fees and fines for convicted activists, which the state interprets as an incitement to further resistance. In a defiant response, Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the ‘Droa’ party, declared she had purchased protest gear before and would do so again, asserting her actions are constitutional.

However, some analysts aligned with the government dismiss the outcry, framing the targeted groups not as a genuine opposition but as actors misusing Western funds to destabilize the country. Political analyst Petre Mamradze asserted that authorities are only targeting organizations that have diverted funds from democratic development to organizing ‘pogroms.’ He warned that the future of these NGOs now depends on their compliance with the law, suggesting they could face liquidation if their activities are deemed illegal.