GrlzWave, a feminist and queer non-governmental organization founded in 2019, has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of targeting it as part of what the group describes as a broader attacks on civil society.
In a statement, the organization said that under the leadership of Razhden Kuprashvili, the newly established Anti-Corruption Bureau has launched investigations against about 30 organizations, including GrlzWave. The NGO framed the move as politically motivated, calling it part of a new wave of ‘repressive laws’ created to silence critical voices.
“Women’s unity and a young feminist movement that has been creating educational, informative, and analytical materials for years is seen as a threat by the regime,” the group said. “Our goal has always been to raise public awareness and encourage empathy, solidarity, and unity in society and this is exactly what they fear.”
The organization mentioned that it currently operates without funding, relying solely on volunteer work. It also argued there is no legal or factual basis for the Bureau’s request to submit documents, pointing to the fact that:
- All partnerships and projects have ended;
- The group has had no income for months;
- Its activities are transparent and publicly accessible online.
GrlzWave also criticized the recently adopted Law on Grants, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it threatens to erase civil society organizations across Georgia.
The statement linked the government’s actions to a broader pattern of repression, pointing out what it described as the continued imprisonment of dozens of young people, including women whom it regards as political prisoners.
Despite the pressure, GrlzWave vowed to continue its work:
“We will fight to the very end to survive,” the group said, thanking supporters for their solidarity.
