The Civil Society Foundation’s Response Letter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau

In August 2025, seven civil society organizations received another letter from the Anti-Corruption Bureau. In the letter, we are accused of violating the “Law on the Registration of Foreign Agents,” and additionally threatened with criminal liability. We are also asked to provide explanations as to why we have not registered as agents. All seven letters are identical and follow a standardized template.

In the letter addressed to the Civil Society Foundation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau highlights five issues that they consider “suspicious.” These issues reflect the Foundation’s critical stance towards the activities of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the “Law on the Registration of Foreign Agents,” as well as the ongoing political persecution and recent widespread human rights violations in the country.

On August 21, 2025, the Civil Society Foundation sent a written response to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. In that letter, we provided a detailed explanation of the following points:

• The “Law on the Registration of Foreign Agents” does not provide for any so-called inspections or investigations. The authority to carry out such actions was self-assigned by the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau through his own bylaws. Therefore, the demands outlined in the letter sent to the Civil Society Foundation contradict the Constitution and the laws of Georgia, and violate the principle of legality.
• The Civil Society Foundation is not subject to the mandatory provisions of the “Law on the Registration of Foreign Agents.” Our organization is an independent legal entity, established based on the Constitution and legislation of Georgia. It has an autonomous governing body – an executive board and an executive director. The independence and autonomy of the Civil Society Foundation are defined by its charter and legislation, and the organization is not subject to any external control or directives.
• The Civil Society Foundation does not engage in political activities for the benefit or interest of any foreign principal. The Foundation operates in accordance with the principles and goals established by the Constitution of Georgia, national laws, and international law, serving the interests of the Georgian people.

The response letter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau also provides an explanation of the standards under the American FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act), particularly in the context of freedom of expression.

See the full version of the letter sent to the Anti-Corruption Bureau here: