Georgian PM says non-governmental organisations “cannot be lumped together” in criticism

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday claimed there were “some” domestic non-governmental organisations that were “involved in dubious activities”, while noting other NGOs were carrying out “important work”.

Kobakhidze said organisations in the NGO sector could “not be lumped together” in criticisms of their work.

“There are a number of non-governmental organisations that work on environmental issues, agriculture, etc. However, there are several non-governmental organisations that are involved in dubious activities, among them some non-governmental organisations that directly, openly demanded the resignation of the Government, were involved in political activities [over a recent period of time]”, Kobakhidze said without specifying the NGOs in question.

The Government head stressed “differentiation” between the NGOs was “necessary”, and further alleged “where important projects are supported, this is very good, but where political funding [for organisations] is indirectly done, it is bad”.