**US Sanctions Two MIA Officials**
The US has sanctioned two officials from the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). They were targeted under the Global Magnitsky Act.
This is not the first time the US has taken action against MIA officials. In September 2024, two other officials were also sanctioned. Zviad Kharazishvili and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri, were named as the head and deputy of the Special Task Department of the MIA.
**Violence Against Protesters**
The US Treasury said that security forces from the MIA’s Special Task Department used excessive force against protesters. They beat people, made threats, and abused journalists who were reporting on the violence.
The action was coordinated with the UK, which also sanctioned five individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Georgia.
**What Do The Sanctions Mean?**
The sanctions mean that any property owned by the two officials in the US must be frozen. Also, any companies or organizations that are majority-owned by the sanctioned officials will also face restrictions.
US citizens and businesses are not allowed to do business with the sanctioned individuals. If they do, they could face penalties or even an enforcement action.
**What’s Next?**
Financial institutions and others who deal with the sanctioned officials may also be at risk of facing sanctions or penalties.