Prepared by Messenger Staff
Transparency International: Georgian Dream Undermining Democratic Governance
Transparency International Georgia, in a report published in July 2025, accuses the ruling Georgian Dream party of systematically dismantling democratic checks and concentrating power through a wave of restrictive legislation passed since April. The organization states that the changes undermine civil liberties, weaken institutional oversight, and shift the country toward one-party rule.
According to the report, "The Georgian Dream-controlled parliament, which should act as a check on the executive, has transformed into a body that blindly executes the will of the ruling party." The group describes a series of legislative amendments that limit freedom of expression, criminalize dissent, and erode judicial transparency.
The new Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression is a key concern. It places the burden of proof on defendants in defamation cases and allows penalties for journalists who refuse to disclose sources. It also applies retroactively. Criticism of judges, including online, can now trigger legal consequences, and court hearings are closed unless approved by the High Council of Justice.
Transparency International highlights harsher penalties for protest activity, including imprisonment for unpaid fines, and new restrictions on movement for those convicted of even minor offenses. Courts may now rely on anonymous witness testimony. Victims are permitted to seek compensation not only from offenders but from their relatives as well.
The report says Georgian Dream has "effectively abolished parliamentary oversight" through changes adopted in May. Parliamentary committees have been weakened, public engagement reduced, and lawmakers' salaries and staff benefits increased. "The new rules formalize a system where MPs prioritize political comfort over accountability," the organization states.
Civil society has also come under sustained pressure. The report outlines four laws targeting NGOs, restrictions on foreign grant funding, the closure of public institutions, and the dissolution of the Special Investigation Service. Expulsion procedures for foreign nationals critical of the government have also been simplified.
Transparency International concludes that Georgian Dream is pushing Georgia away from democratic governance and consolidating unchecked political control under the appearance of legality.
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Revenue Service Offers to Lift Batumelebi's Account Seizure Pending Tax Agreement
The Revenue Service of Georgia has stated its willingness to lift the seizure of Batumelebi's accounts if a tax agreement is reached and the media outlet agrees to repay its debt according to a set schedule. As of July 21, Batumelebi reportedly owes 282,191.97 GEL in tax debt.
In an official statement, the Revenue Service said the account seizure was an automatic measure triggered by risk assessment indicators in their electronic system. "Taking into account the public interest, the Revenue Service clarifies that as of July 21, 2025, the media platform Batumelebi has a recognized tax debt of 282,191.97 GEL," the statement reads.
The agency also expressed readiness to lift the account seizure once a tax agreement is made, allowing Batumelebi to pay off its debt to the state budget in installments.
Batumelebi had previously issued a statement confirming that its accounts were seized by the Revenue Service. While the outlet acknowledged the official reason as financial debt, it suggested the move was a form of pressure on its editor, imprisoned Mzia Amaglobeli, intended to force her to step down.
