West Finances Protesters & Opposition Through NGOs, Says NGO Head
In my latest report from Tbilisi, Georgia, I delve into the intricate role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in the country's political landscape, as shared by the head of one such NGO. Over the last seven days, I’ve been on the ground covering the unrest, protests, and broader political dynamics in Georgia. Many of you have asked me about the NGOs: what are they doing, and how do they influence events in this region? This report aims to answer these pressing questions.
Investigating NGOs: A Key Player Speaks Out
I met with Nana Kakabadze, a representative of the NGO "Former Political Prisoners for Human Rights," which is now part of "United Neutral Georgia." Nana shared her organization's journey from its roots as a Soviet-era dissident group to its focus on human rights after 1995. She also shed light on what she sees as a systemic misuse of NGOs by Western powers to influence Georgian politics.
Nana detailed how, since the 2003 Rose Revolution, NGOs initially focused on human rights and activism morphed into political tools. Many became intertwined with the government they were supposed to critique, allegedly violating the very principles they once upheld. According to her, these organizations, once funded by the West to champion democracy, began operating as vehicles for state-sanctioned oppression under the Saakashvili administration. This, she said, resulted in mass human rights abuses, including property confiscation, torture, and unlawful detentions.
The Role of Foreign Influence
Nana made strong allegations against Western nations, accusing them of funding political protests and opposition movements through NGOs. She explained that while foreign interference in a country’s politics is illegal, it continues covertly through these organizations. She argued that funds ostensibly for human rights projects are often diverted to political campaigns aimed at destabilizing the current government.
I witnessed firsthand how polarizing this narrative is. Protesters in Tbilisi claim they represent the will of all Georgians. However, when I moved beyond the protest sites and spoke to everyday citizens, especially older generations, they expressed skepticism about the protests, claiming that only a small portion of the population supports them.
The Push for Neutrality
Nana emphasized the importance of Georgia adopting a neutral policy, given its small size and strategic location. She criticized what she called “liberal fascism” emanating from the West, which, in her view, pressures Georgia to abandon its traditions and values in favor of Western ideological frameworks. She also highlighted the controversial demands made by Western institutions, such as repealing laws on NGO transparency and LGBT propaganda.
Double Standards and Sovereignty
Nana also pointed out what she sees as glaring double standards in Western policies. For instance, while the U.S. has laws like the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to regulate foreign-funded entities, Georgia’s attempt to implement a similar law was labeled as Russian-inspired by Western critics. She argued that these laws are crucial for sovereignty and ensuring foreign funds are used transparently.
What Lies Ahead for Georgia?
In closing, Nana expressed hope for Georgia's future but warned that the country’s sovereignty must remain the priority. She emphasized the need to strike a balance between maintaining international partnerships and protecting Georgia’s independence. According to her, if Georgia continues to focus on its interests while fostering respectful relations with other nations, it could emerge as a strong and prosperous country.
This is just a glimpse into the complex issues surrounding Georgia’s political climate and the role of NGOs. As an independent, crowdfunded journalist, I rely on your support to bring you these stories. If you found this report insightful, please consider subscribing to my Substack and supporting my work. Together, we can continue to uncover the truths that shape our world.
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