Georgian PM says certain groups seeking to sow hatred in society using Soviet-style methods, with support of grants, NGOs

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said certain groups were seeking to sow hatred in Georgian society using Soviet-style methods, with the support of grants and NGOs.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that the recently proposed legislation on grants was not opposing grants as such, but rather aimed to combat the spread of hatred.

He further added that his Government would thoroughly review the purpose of every grant and provide consent only after evaluating their objectives.

“We will not allow anyone to use grants and NGOs as tools to artificially sow hatred or divide society. This law is a significant step forward to prevent the artificial incitement of hatred within our community”, the PM said.

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Monday announced a package of legislative amendments aimed at regulating the process of grant allocation by foreign donors.

Kirtskhalia noted that once the proposed amendments come into effect, both foreign and domestic legal entities will no longer be permitted to fund lectures, seminars, or similar public events that serve partisan political interests.