The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has accused overseas actors of funding protests in the country using cryptocurrency. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Tbilisi and other cities, with the SSSG claiming that the masterminds behind the protests are based abroad and using crypto to cover their tracks. The agency also alleges that these individuals are planning destructive incidents and aim to block access to key infrastructure.
Foreign instructors reportedly visited Georgia recently to provide training on cryptocurrency transactions to the protest organizers. The SSSG claims that the organizers received instructions on how to receive funding for their actions secretly. The agency is concerned about the potential for violence and chaos if the protests continue, warning of dangers such as panic, stampedes, injuries, and casualties.
The protests in Georgia were sparked by a proposed bill on ‘foreign agents’ that has been compared to a Russian law targeting NGOs that receive overseas funding. Critics fear that the bill could jeopardize Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, as it may be seen as infringing on democratic freedoms. President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill, but the parliament could override her decision, leading to further tension and uncertainty in the country. Western media commentators have warned that the situation could escalate into a revolution.
Cryptocurrency is popular in Georgia, with the country exploring the use of blockchain technology in government operations. However, the SSSG’s allegations of foreign interference in the protests have raised concerns about the potential for violence and disruption. The agency believes that the protest organizers are seeking to provoke law enforcement agencies and create chaos in the country. The situation remains tense, with the outcome of the protests and the proposed bill uncertain.