A delegation from Georgia’s opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), was on an official visit to the United States this week, urging the Senate to swiftly approve the MEGOBARI Act—a bill that includes targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and other high-ranking officials associated with Georgia’s ruling party.
“We have begun meetings in the US Congress, first and foremost to thank the members for passing the MEGOBARI Act,” said UNM Chairperson Tina Bokuchava, referring to the bill recently passed by the House of Representatives. “Naturally, we will also be meeting with senators to ensure the act is adopted in a timely manner.”
Bokuchava emphasized the dual purpose of the visit: strengthening US-Georgian ties and pushing for accountability. “The act offers many benefits for the Georgian people and for Georgia as a whole, but it also includes personal sanctions against Ivanishvili and his circle.”
Also part of the delegation is Nikoloz Saakashvili, son of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili. He told US lawmakers, “My father is being persecuted for standing up to Putin. But this is a fight that America, Ukraine, and Georgia will ultimately win.”
Back in Georgia, support for the MEGOBARI Act is growing on the ground.
On Sunday, protesters gathered at Tbilisi’s Akhmeteli metro station before marching to the US Embassy in Georgia to express their appreciation for the legislation. Carrying Georgian and American flags, demonstrators thanked the US for its ongoing support of the Georgian people, describing the MEGOBARI Act as a document that “supports the citizens of Georgia.”
The march featured colorful visuals, including colored smoke and chants such as: “Step down,” “Sanctions are on the way,” “Freedom for political prisoners,” and “Down with the regime.” Participants also held banners that read: “Freedom for prisoners of conscience!” and “MEGOBARI ACT – Friendship in Act!”
The protest comes amid escalating political tensions in Georgia and rising international concern over democratic backsliding in the country. The MEGOBARI Act, which underscores US support for the Georgian people while calling for accountability for anti-democratic behavior, has become a focal point of civic energy and mobilization.
Meanwhile, former President Salome Zurabishvili issued a sharp critique of the Georgian Prime Minister’s recent open letter to US President Donald Trump (see page 3), calling it a sign of deep anxiety and political collapse within the ruling Georgian Dream party.
“The letter confirms significant unease in Georgian Dream, but I doubt the US President will ever read it—he likely doesn’t have time,” Zurabishvili said during a briefing.
She encouraged the public to read the letter themselves, describing it as a “shameful” display of desperation and a lack of diplomatic decency.
“I don’t know who wrote it, or in what state of mind, but it clearly shows the government’s despair and Bidzina Ivanishvili’s failure to manage the fallout from the MEGOBARI Act. Whether or not the US President ever reads it is uncertain, but anyone who does will be disheartened by what it represents.”
Zurabishvili emphasized the long-standing support Georgia has received from the United States, including military, economic, and humanitarian aid over the past three decades.
“America helped build our army and modernize our economy. For years, we were among the top per-capita recipients of US aid globally. And this is how we respond—with a letter devoid of respect and gratitude? This reflects not only political failure, but moral failure as well,” she added.
By Team GT
