The activity of de facto security structures has caused obvious dissatisfaction and concern among the local population in the Gali district. According to reliable sources, the practice of surveillance and information control has become especially active towards the local administration and its employees. The de facto security services justify these actions by the request of the Russian side, although there is also a reasonable assumption that the ongoing processes may be the initiative of the de facto government, the goal of which is to gain the favor of the Kremlin.

According to local sources, last week, the de facto security forces conducted large-scale raids on public institutions in Gali, including a hospital and a culture house. As part of the raid, employees' personal electronic devices and communication channels were checked without any hindrance. Particular attention was paid to the private messages, posts and photographs on social networks, including Facebook and WhatsApp. According to reports, the purpose of the checks was to detect any “anti-state” messages, documents, photographs relating to the law enforcement agencies or government buildings.

Checking social networks is perceived as part of a broader and systemic trend of censorship. According to reports, ad hoc inspections and internal audits of local media, theaters and schools have also become more frequent. Of particular concern are the cases when checks are carried out to detect potentially “anti-state” or “anti-Russian” content in school theater performances.

The violation of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and privacy, by the de facto authorities in the Gali district causes serious concern among locals. The ongoing actions are reportedly creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which hinders open communication in society and restricts expression of dissent.