US imposes sanctions on Georgian officials and far-right leaders

US imposes sanctions on Georgian officials and far-right leaders

Leaders of Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Task Department sanctioned for repression of protests against "foreign agent" law. / bne IntelliNews

By bne IntelliNews September 18, 2024

The US Department of State has announced visa sanctions against 60 Georgian citizens, including government officials, business leaders, and law enforcement representatives, for their role in "undermining democracy" in Georgia.

While the State Department did not disclose specific names, it indicated that those targeted include senior government and municipal officials who abused their power to restrict the fundamental rights of Georgian citizens, business leaders involved in corruption, individuals responsible for spreading disinformation and promoting violent extremism, law enforcement officers who engaged in the violent suppression of protests, and members of parliament who played key roles in passing undemocratic legislation and limiting civil society.

The US Department of the Treasury has also imposed financial sanctions on several people. Among them are Zviad "Khareba" Kharazishvili, head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Task Department, and his deputy Mileri Lagazauri, for their involvement in human rights abuses during violent crackdowns on protests against the "foreign agent" law.

The Special Tasks Department, which oversees riot police, played a key role in the forceful suppression of protests against the foreign agent law, deploying pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Riot police also physically assaulted and detained protesters during the near-daily demonstrations.

Also sanctioned are far-right leaders Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze, founders of the extremist group Alt-Info, for their roles in violent attacks on protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

Alt Info, a pro-Russian group, was responsible for orchestrating the homophobic riots in July 2021, during which more than 50 media representatives were assaulted.

The sanctions will freeze any US-based assets of the individuals involved and block organizations where they hold a 50% or higher ownership stake.

“The United States unequivocally supports the rights of Georgians to assemble, speak, and peacefully protest without fear of violence, intimidation, or suppression,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement read.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed concern in a meeting with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, criticising the sanctions as a politically motivated move aimed at boosting the opposition ahead of next month's elections.

“This decision by the US approaches a critical point, and if similar actions continue, Georgia may have to reassess its relationship with the United States,” he said.

The Georgian Bankers Association has confirmed that the country’s banking system will fully comply with international sanctions, though it remains uncertain how conflicting domestic financial regulations will impact their enforcement.

Related Content

Georgia’s outgoing President Zourabichvili to leave presidency, join protesters

Georgians gather outside presidency ahead of Kavelashvili’s disputed inauguration

Georgian president refuses to leave office ahead of inauguration

Georgia’s outgoing President Zourabichvili to leave presidency, join protesters

Georgians gather outside presidency ahead of Kavelashvili’s disputed inauguration

Georgian president refuses to leave office ahead of inauguration

#Georgia #Sanctions #USSanctions #HumanRights #AltInfo #Protest

Read in IntelliNews Pro

Get IntelliNews Pro

Related Content

Georgia’s outgoing President Zourabichvili to leave presidency, join protesters

Georgians gather outside presidency ahead of Kavelashvili’s disputed inauguration

Georgian president refuses to leave office ahead of inauguration

Georgia’s outgoing President Zourabichvili to leave presidency, join protesters

Georgians gather outside presidency ahead of Kavelashvili’s disputed inauguration

Georgian president refuses to leave office ahead of inauguration

News

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist days after detention

Iran confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala on December 30, saying she was detained for violating the laws of the Islamic Republic.

Ukrainian minister visits Damascus to meet new Syrian government

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha led a high-level delegation to Damascus on December 30 for talks with Syria's new rulers.

Incumbent Milanovic to face Primorac in Croatian presidential election runoff

President Zoran Milanovic narrowly fails to secure enough votes for first round victory, to face ruling HDZ’s candidate in second round.

BRICS expands membership, adding Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

The BRICS bloc, a coalition formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is broadening its reach as it seeks to challenge the dominance of the US dollar and reshape global financial and economic systems.

South Korea in mourning as Jeju Air crash investigators look for answers

South Korea is in mourning as it has now been confirmed that 179 of the 181 on board Jeju Air Flight 2216 from Bangkok to Muan in Korea have been killed as was reported by bno IntelliNews on Sunday, December 29.

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist days after detention

Ukrainian minister visits Damascus to meet new Syrian government

Incumbent Milanovic to face Primorac in Croatian presidential election runoff

BRICS expands membership, adding Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

South Korea in mourning as Jeju Air crash investigators look for answers

Dismiss

Chat with usLiveChat