On Tuesday, the US State Department announced that it would impose visa sanctions on 60 Georgian citizens – government, business and law enforcement officials – for “undermining democracy” in Georgia.
The USA imposed sanctions on two officials of the Georgian government: the head of the Department of Special Tasks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Zviad (Khareba) Kharazishvili, and one of his deputies, Miller Lagazauri, who, during peaceful protests against the ‘Foreign Influence Law’ carried out a violent response leading to human rights violations.
“We’re also imposing sanctions on two Georgian leaders of the extremist group, Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze, for serious violations of human rights, including violent attacks on Georgians who were exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement said.
Overall, the US State Department is taking measures to impose visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgians and their family members who participated in damaging the roots of democracy in Georgia.
“Among them are government and municipal officials who abused their power to limit the fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people, businessmen involved in corruption, individuals who spread disinformation and promote violent extremism, law enforcement officers who participated in the beating of demonstrators, and members of parliament who played a crucial role in the promotion of undemocratic legislation and restriction of civil society,” the US statement reads.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken says the State Department is concerned about the violation of human rights and anti-democratic actions in Georgia and will continue to consider additional measures in response.
“The United States supports the right of Georgians to assemble, express and peacefully protest without fear of violence, intimidation and suppression,” Blinken noted.
On Tuesday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a meeting with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. Despite Kobakhidze expressing his respect for Dunnigan, he shared concerns about the US State Department’s decision. The PM emphasized that the visa restrictions on citizens and sanctions are “troublesome.”
He informed the ambassador that such decisions undermine US-Georgian relations and said that future actions could lead to a reevaluation of the dynamics between the two countries.
At a press briefing, the PM suggested that the imposition of sanctions during the pre-election period appears is “aimed solely at influencing the elections,” and expressed his belief that “the response from Georgian voters will be both clear and resolute.”
Kobakhidze described the sanctions as both frivolous and unfortunate, emphasizing the effort made to reach out to partners despite recent tensions in Georgian-American relations, particularly due to the former US ambassador’s controversial role.
“We have made it clear that we are open to discussions on any topic, yet such measures, particularly in this pre-election context, are counterproductive. We recognize that certain American institutions feel a need for de-oligarchization. However, the only purpose these steps serve is to influence the elections. I anticipate a decisive response from Georgian voters that will render the collective National Movement a thing of the past.
“No-one can revive that regime which brought war, destruction, corruption, torture and murder to our country. I urge all parties to acknowledge the weight of their responsibilities in potentially empowering such a regime,” Kobakhidze stated.
By Team GT
