Non-governmental organizations and their activities have become targets of frequent attacks lately. The rhetoric from representatives of the ruling party has become increasingly abusive towards civil society groups and is starting to resemble an anti civil society campaign.
The retired Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has stated intentions to research the questionable activities of current and former leaders of our partner organizations – Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, Transparency International Georgia and International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy. This statement can be assessed as a prelude to a dissemination of discrediting evidence about the nature of leading NGOs.
We want to emphasize that such an attitude of government representatives is not in line with the practice of democratic governance. Organizations which have always maintained impartiality and have been justifiably critical of each government should not be assaulted. Moreover, the harassment of any civil society activist only due to their views and professional activities is unacceptable.
We hope that government officials will refrain from such irresponsible statements and that the public will be unified in the fight against this unprincipled practice.
