**US Senate Committee Discusses Ways to Strengthen Global Magnitsky Laws**
On December 5, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on implementing the Global Magnitsky laws. The focus was on finding ways to improve and strengthen the sanctions tool, as well as coordinating with other countries.
**Georgia’s Human Rights Abuses in Focus**
The committee discussed the human rights abuses of demonstrators by the Georgian government, with a hope that Magnitsky sanctions could help address the issue. Witnesses Adam Kieth from Human Rights First and William Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, were heard at the hearing.
**US Senators Express Concerns**
Senator James Risch noted that the Georgian government had “brutally cracked down” on pro-EU demonstrations. Chairman Ben Cardin said that he hopes Magnitsky sanctions will help Georgia get back on track, while Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Georgia.
**Corruption Link to Human Rights Abuses**
Senator Shaheen asked witnesses about the link between corruption and human rights abuses in Georgia. Bill Browder, one of the witnesses, said that corruption was a crucial issue and noted that oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili had made his money through corrupt means in Russia.
**US Senators Call for Action**
The committee members expressed their support for taking action against the Georgian government’s human rights abuses. Senator Shaheen said that it is essential to send a message that there is a bilateral consensus on this issue and that action will be taken against the gross abuse taking place in the country.
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