The Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based think tank, has expressed its “deep concern” after Georgian officials raided the homes of two researchers in Tbilisi, seizing electronic devices just days before Georgia’s parliamentary elections.
Georgia goes to the polls on October 26 in elections that are being seen as a pivotal moment in the history of the country since it gained independence in 1991.
The election will pit a broadly pro-Europe opposition, which sees the country’s future firmly in the EU, against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Once pro-European, the party has been criticized for its apparent authoritarian policies and a perceived shift toward Russia.
In a statement following the raids, Atlantic Council Vice President Graham Brookie condemned the actions of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, whose officers searched the homes of researchers Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili in Tbilisi.
Brookie said that Gelava and Buziashvili’s work is “independent and non-partisan,” aimed at countering “foreign influence efforts” and bolstering democratic integrity.
The election will pit a broadly pro-Europe opposition, which sees the country’s future firmly in the EU, against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Once pro-European, the party has been criticized for its apparent authoritarian policies and a perceived shift toward Russia.
In a statement following the raids, Atlantic Council Vice President Graham Brookie condemned the actions of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, whose officers searched the homes of researchers Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili in Tbilisi.
Brookie said that Gelava and Buziashvili’s work is “independent and non-partisan,” aimed at countering “foreign influence efforts” and bolstering democratic integrity.
“The Atlantic Council is deeply concerned about this development and its impact on our staff’s work shortly before Georgian elections,” the statement said.
The think tank called on Georgian authorities to clarify their actions.
The statement said: “We trust that Georgian authorities will provide more clarity on their actions, ensure the safety and security of our staff, return their property, and allow them to continue their contributions to Georgian democracy.”
“The Atlantic Council will continue its work in Georgia in the spirit of its mission of shaping the global future together with partners and allies. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” it added.
Buziashvili and Gelava, who have published reports on Russian influence in Georgia, were reportedly informed that the searches were part of an investigation into suspected fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering involving a contractor linked to the Atlantic Council.
Buziashvili said that officers initially posed as gas inspectors to gain access to her home, revealing their true identities only after entry.
The Financial Police, a division of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, said that the searches were part of an ongoing investigation involving multiple firms, including Concentrix, a U.S. technology company.
The think tank called on Georgian authorities to clarify their actions.
The statement said: “We trust that Georgian authorities will provide more clarity on their actions, ensure the safety and security of our staff, return their property, and allow them to continue their contributions to Georgian democracy.”
“The Atlantic Council will continue its work in Georgia in the spirit of its mission of shaping the global future together with partners and allies. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” it added.
The raids occurred just two days before Georgia’s parliamentary elections, raising questions about potential connections between the researchers’ activities and the timing of the investigation.STATEMENT ON THE HOME RAIDS OF TWO ATLANTIC COUNCIL STAFF IN GEORGIA:
— Atlantic Council (@AtlanticCouncil) October 24, 2024
From Graham Brookie, the Atlantic Council’s vice president for technology programs and strategy, as well as the senior director of the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab):
On the morning of October 24,…
Buziashvili and Gelava, who have published reports on Russian influence in Georgia, were reportedly informed that the searches were part of an investigation into suspected fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering involving a contractor linked to the Atlantic Council.
Buziashvili said that officers initially posed as gas inspectors to gain access to her home, revealing their true identities only after entry.
The Financial Police, a division of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, said that the searches were part of an ongoing investigation involving multiple firms, including Concentrix, a U.S. technology company.
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