Bangladesh, Sept. 30 -- In Georgia, the governments latest crackdown on civil society and independent media has deepened fears that the country is slipping further into authoritarianism. The Anti-Corruption Bureau, a state body tasked with policing financial transparency, has ordered more than 60 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets to disclose detailed information about their funding sources, grants, and operations. Civil society leaders, journalists, and legal experts warn that the measures are designed less to promote accountability and more to intimidate and ultimately silence critical voices.

The Bureau began sending official letters earlier this week, demanding that targeted groups hand over extensive records dat...