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Murder of trans celebrity shocks Georgian LGBTQ community
1 hour ago
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.
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