**NGOs Stand United Against Russian-Style Repression in Georgia**
A joint statement by Georgian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has condemned the enforcement of Russian laws, citing a lack of legal basis or legitimate interest. The move is seen as an attempt to suppress critical voices and silence civil society.
The NGOs expressed solidarity with their colleagues who have been approached by the Anti-Corruption Bureau with demands for confidential information. This demand lacks any legal justification, according to the organizations, which view it as a mechanism for political retribution.
**”We do not live by Russian rules”**
Representatives of the third sector emphasized that they “do not and will not live by Russian rules.” The statement highlights the NGOs’ commitment to fighting against ideological and institutional persecution aimed at suppressing critical voices. This sentiment is echoed by several organizations, including:
* Media Development Foundation (MDF)
* Environmental Community Organization – Eco Civic Activity Center
* Human Rights Center
* International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
* Free Journalists’ House
**A united front**
The joint statement also emphasizes the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The NGOs assert that they will not surrender Georgia’s future to authoritarian systems, such as those led by Putin and Lukashenko.
The list of organizations joining this statement is extensive and includes:
* Civil Society Foundation
* Transparency International Georgia
* Sapari
* Academy of the Future
* Economic Policy Research Center
* Media Development Foundation (MDF)
* Environmental Community Organization – Eco Civic Activity Center
* Lakmusi
* Platform for New Opportunities
* NEOGENI RICDOG – Scientific-Intellectual Club “Dialogue of Generations”
* Tsertili
* Tbilisi Pride
* Georgia Down Syndrome Association
* Human Rights Center
* International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
* Free Journalists’ House
* Partnership for Human Rights
* Center for the Rule of Law
* European-Georgian Institute (EGI)
* Europe Foundation
* EECMD
* Civic Idea
* Green Alternative
* Prevention for Progress
* Georgia’s Democratic Initiative
* Defenders of Democracy
* Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture – GCRT
* Proactive Group
* Georgia Alliance of Women with Disabilities
* Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
* Democracy Research Institute
* Neo TV and Georgian Media Group (GMG)
* Platform “Salam”
* Georgia’s European Orbit
* Civic Advocacy Center
* Georgian Reforms Association
* Institute for Democracy
* Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)
* Platform “By the side of the Socially Vulnerable”
* Georgian Civil Society Development Association
* Media Ombudsman
* Georgia’s Court Watch
* Georgian Democratic Development Union
* Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
* Center for Innovations and Civic Development – House of Progress
* Qvareli Euroclub
* Civic Movement “For Freedom”
* Opiadoki
These organizations are standing together to protect their beneficiaries, including women, children, victims of violence, minorities, and socially vulnerable individuals.
**”We fight together— for each other, for our beneficiaries, and for a free Georgia.”**
The joint statement is a powerful expression of unity and commitment to fighting against oppression. It serves as a reminder that civil society organizations will continue to advocate for human rights, transparency, and accountability in Georgia.
