British Member of Parliament James MacCleary has renewed his call for immediate UK sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and what he described as his “corrupt government,” referencing a letter from jailed Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze.
“It’s deeply humbling to be mentioned by Zurab Japaridze in his powerful letter from prison,” MacCleary wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Ivanishvili and his corrupt government must face immediate UK sanctions. Zurab and every Georgian political prisoner deserve freedom and justice – now.”
MacCleary’s statement follows the release of an open letter by Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition party Girchi — More Freedom, who was sentenced to imprisonment for his role in recent anti-government protests. In his letter, Japaridze referenced MacCleary’s support and called on the international community to stand up for democratic values in Georgia.
The British MP has been among the most vocal international figures condemning the Georgian government’s crackdown on opposition leaders and civil society. His latest remarks add to mounting international pressure on Georgian authorities amid growing concerns about democratic backsliding.
