The UK, in agreement with the U.S., has issued sanctions against five senior Georgian officials for violent attacks on journalists and protestors, which include UK travel prohibitions and asset freezes.
The targets of these sanctions include the following officials:
- Vakhtang Gomelauri – Minister of Internal Affairs
- Aleksandre Darakhvelidze – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs
- Sulkhan Tamazashvili – Tbilisi Police Department Director
- Zviad Kharazishvili – Chief of the Special Tasks Department
- Mileri Lagazauri – Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department
This decision was made following the Georgian government’s intervention in demonstrations using water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.
“The shocking violence inflicted upon protestors, opposition leaders, and journalists is an egregious attack on democracy,” Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated.
For information, the UK has halted support programs in Georgia and discontinued the Wardrop Dialogue due to anti-Western moves and restrictive laws.
