WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement condemning the Georgian government’s decision to freeze the bank accounts of Eto Buziashvili and Sopo Gelava, two Atlantic Council researchers:
“On the eve of the parliamentary election, the Georgian government raided the homes of Eto Buziashvili and Sopo Gelava. They are researchers with the Atlantic Council that have been working tirelessly to expose Russian disinformation and strengthen Georgia’s sovereignty. The government confiscated the researchers’ electronic equipment, including the computer of Ms. Gelava’s child.
“Today I have learned the Georgian authorities froze the bank accounts of Ms. Buziashvili and Ms. Gelava without any legal justification or court order. I believe it is a direct attack on civil society by the Georgian government. I also believe it is an attack on the United States institution that employs them. If this is indicative of things to come, it is clear the Georgian Dream government is quickly descending into Russian-style authoritarianism. The government should allow the researchers to do their work without the fear of reprisals. Our MEGOBARI Act will punish those in Georgia violating the rule of law.”
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