Razhden Kuprashvili Cancels His Own Decision on Transparency International

The same decision was made regarding the civil movement Vote for Europe and its founders. At today's briefing, Kuprashvili focused attention on Transparency International - Georgia.

"It is unfortunate that an organization whose name is associated with transparency has become the first to reject transparency and instead choose to attack the rule of law. This organization, like other non-governmental organizations, does not want to disclose to the public the purposes for which tens of millions of GEL are spent while trying to place itself above the law. If these organizations were to publicly disclose the expenses incurred for political purposes, the veil would be lifted on recent events. It would become evident to the population how several processes were conducted to shape public opinion. In the case of transparency, it would be clear what financial interests are behind the statements made in the international arena to halt the country's visa liberalization," Kuprashvili said.

The head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau noted that his initial decision was legal; however, he cancels it "in the interest of the country."

"No one should have the opportunity to question the results recorded by Georgian citizens in the elections. Based on this and considering the national interests of the country, we find it necessary to exercise our discretion and cancel all decisions requiring these organizations to make transparent the expenses incurred in political processes and disclose them to the public," Kuprashvili stated, adding that the Anti-Corruption Bureau will continue to "stand guard over the informed choice" of Georgian citizens.

Regarding the civil movement Vote for Europe, Rajden Kuprashvili mentioned that two of its members have already joined a political party, while the rest have complied with the decision of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and "reported their expenses in accordance with the law."

"However, since we do not want selective justice to exist, we will extend the aforementioned reservation to them as well," Kuprashvili said.

On September 24, the Anti-Corruption Bureau recognized Transparency International - Georgia and its executive director, Eka Gigauri, as "entities with declared electoral aims," meaning that the regulations established for political parties have been extended to them. The Tbilisi City Court did not halt Rajden Kuprashvili's decision.

At the briefing held on September 30, representatives of the non-governmental organization stated that due to the current situation, they would not be able to observe the parliamentary elections directly on behalf of Transparency International - Georgia. "During the 24 years of the organization's existence, this is the first time we will not have a single observer registered under our name at the polling stations," the organization stated.

On October 1, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze asked the Anti-Corruption Bureau to reconsider its decision "to avoid external manipulation in the election process." Additionally, he called on the Bureau to refrain from granting organizations the status of "entity with declared electoral aim" before the parliamentary elections.

Kobakhidze's statement was preceded by the evaluation from the monitoring mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which indicated that the "deplorable decision" of the Anti-Corruption Bureau undermines public confidence in the democracy of the election process.