The non-governmental organization “Transparency International – Georgia” explains why it has not registered in the so-called “Foreign Agents Registry” as required by the so-called FARA law.
According to the information released by the organization, the U.S. branch of Transparency International is not registered under the American FARA, and the Georgian equivalent of the so-called FARA does not apply to them either.
“Our response to the question of why we have not registered in accordance with the requirements of the so-called FARA law is as follows: Neither the American FARA nor its Georgian version applies to civil society organizations, and therefore this law does not concern us. The authorities claim that the so-called Georgian FARA is analogous to the American FARA, but the U.S. branch of Transparency International is not registered under the American FARA. The actions of Ivanishvili/Kuprashvili’s Anti-Corruption Bureau head against our organization are illegal. He has granted himself powers that are not provided for by law. For over 25 years, Transparency International – Georgia has been exposing corrupt officials, fighting corruption, identifying violations during elections, providing free legal consultations to thousands of citizens, assisting Georgian citizens with land registration, supporting hundreds of illegally dismissed public servants, promoting state institutions and reforms, protecting the rights of media representatives, developing the capacities of public services, and facilitating Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. These actions are primarily in the interest of Georgian citizens and are in line with Georgia’s Constitution and legislation. The main goal of the actions by Ivanishvili/Kuprashvili’s Bureau is to persecute Georgian civil society and to establish a Russian-style kleptocratic governance system in Georgia,” the statement reads.
“Transparency International”: Neither the American FARA nor its Georgian translation applies to civil society organizations; therefore, it does not concern us; Kuprashvili has granted himself powers that are not provided for by law
