In a statement released on October 2, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSS) stated that to take part in a project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), three Serbian trainers were brought to Georgia, and they were actively seeking activists to plan the violent overthrow of Georgia's duly elected government. According to SSS, these instructors work at the CANVAS Centre for Applied Non-Violent Actions and Strategies.

According to SSS, Serbian nationals Siniša Šikman, Jelena Stojic, and Slobodan Djinovic came to Georgia on September 25, 2023, at the request of the East-West Management Institute, which receives funding from USAID. "These individuals are connected to the revolutionary events that unfolded in Georgia in 2003. Over the years, they have also been associated with similar developments in Serbia, Ukraine, and various other countries. They have been actively teaching the methods of igniting protest and the tactics of holding violent rallies. They function as key figures within the organization CANVAS, and both Siniša Šikman and Slobodan Djinovic are former members of the organization Otpor in Serbia, which was akin to Georgia’s "Kmara," the report added.

The SSS repeated its prior assertion that CANVAS is actively training youth organizations for an approaching revolutionary scenario, which is purportedly set to take place from October through December. The government body asserted that these groups have first-hand experience participating in international revolutionary movements and sharing ideas about organizing violent protests.

The State Security Service asserted that the activists received training on strategies to confront specific target organizations, including the government, the Orthodox Church, the State Security Service, and other organizations. The SSS added that the activists also received instructions on how to set up picket lines, manipulate artificial traffic jams on roads, and erect tents in front of administrative structures. The State Security Service claimed that the activists also got instructions on how to agitate law enforcement agents and comply with their legal demands violently. "The trainees were readied for the anticipated arrests and received training in resisting such circumstances. They were also instructed on issues about financing the rally participants, insurrecting the Parliament building, disrupting the broadcasting stations, seizing power, and undermining the legally elected government of Georgia. Several dramatic examples of revolutionary processes that had previously taken place in Serbia were examined as part of a comparative analysis," the SSS statement reads.

Statements from the ruling “Georgian Dream" Party 

Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said Georgia was a sovereign, independent state where the government would ensure peace and tranquillity and not allow either a revolution or an opening of a second front amid the war in Ukraine. 

"It can be said unequivocally that the government will not allow [revolutionary processes]. Georgia is a sovereign, independent state, and we will ensure peace and tranquillity in our country, and we will not let anyone disturb this country - we will not allow either a revolution or a second front," Kobakhidze said. The official said the state body's indication of the role of the USAID in funding the alleged trainings was even more troubling. "I watched the briefing of the State Security Service. You remember that, at first, these people tried to hide the real purpose of their visit. They talked about the fact that they supposedly had meetings and trainings with representatives of the cultural sphere, but it turned out that their goal was to prepare and plan revolutionary processes in our country, which is troubling," Kobakhidze said.

"It's all the more troubling when it turns out that all this has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development, which is called USAID, which stands for 'America's Aid.' I think this is not America's help," he continued. The ruling party head added that the Georgian authorities would need clarifications on USAID's funding of the trainings, the direct purpose of which he said was to prepare for a revolution in Georgia.

Moreover, Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Prime Minister, said his government would not allow any disturbance or destabilization in the country by destructive and radical forces. 

"We know very well what their plans are, their purpose. Their goal is, of course, violence, disorder, and destabilization. They certainly don't like the success and prosperity we have in the country today. They don't like that we have maintained peace and stability in the country today," he added. "Their desire, of course, is to overthrow the government by violent means and open a second front in the country. That was the original goal, and it remains, unfortunately, still their goal," the government head alleged.

US Embassy in Georgia responds

The US Embassy in Georgia reacted to the accusations made by the SSS against the USAID: “Allegations made publicly today against one of our assistance projects are false and fundamentally mischaracterize the goals of our assistance to Georgia.  USAID has been supporting the Georgian people since 1992.  As always, our assistance is transparent, and we welcome any opportunities to discuss any concerns the government may have. 

The right of citizens to freely voice their concerns and aspirations is foundational to any democracy and is a value shared by both of our countries. USAID has collaborated with CANVAS for more than two years to help people to speak up for the issues that matter to their families and communities. We have partnered with CANVAS to deliver training to mothers advocating for better cancer treatments for children, and to people advocating for the rights of elderly citizens in their communities. 

Despite these unwarranted attacks, we will continue to support Georgian organizations who support people to secure the future they determine and deserve and to secure their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Georgian constitution."