Georgia freezes accounts of funds behind violent riots

The Georgian Prosecutor General's Office has taken significant action by freezing the accounts of five money funds involved in financing violent riots during recent protests in Tbilisi and other cities across the country.

This move is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal case related to sabotage against Georgia's statehood with the assistance of foreign organizations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

According to the statement issued by the Prosecutor's Office, the funds in question—Nanyuki Foundation, Prosperity, Unity Foundation 24/7, Shame, and Tbilisi Human Rights House—were implicated in financing activities aimed at organizing group violence.

The investigation revealed that a significant portion of the funds raised was allocated to supporting the individuals responsible for the violence, as well as providing financial assistance to their families. Furthermore, these funds played a role in encouraging participation in illegal actions during the unrest.

The Prosecutor's Office clarified that, following a court decision on March 17, 2025, it seized the assets of all the bank accounts associated with these organizations. The move highlights the government's determination to tackle external interference in domestic affairs and ensure national security during a period of heightened political tension.

The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities have pledged to continue their efforts in uncovering the full extent of foreign involvement in destabilizing the country.

On November 28, 2024, the European Parliament refused to recognize the results of parliamentary elections in Georgia and called for sanctions against the leaders of the Georgian Dream. On the same day, the Prime Minister announced that Georgia would refuse to negotiate its accession to the European Union by the end of 2028. After this statement, protests began in the country.

In December 2024, widespread protests erupted after the governing Georgian Dream party suspended talks aimed at joining the European Union until 2028. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the decision after the European Parliament rejected the results of Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections due to "significant irregularities." The suspension of EU accession talks led to tens of thousands of demonstrators clashing with riot police in Tbilisi and other cities, with protesters waving EU flags and demanding new elections. The government's response included the use of tear gas and water cannons, resulting in numerous arrests.

Amidst the unrest, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer, was inaugurated as Georgia's president. His rise to power has been controversial, with critics arguing that his presidency represents a move to pull Georgia away from European integration and back into Moscow's sphere of influence. Many citizens have not accepted his presidency, resulting in widespread protests and accusations of electoral malpractice.

By Vafa Guliyeva