US Still Has Options to Sanction Georgian Leaders
The US has tools at its disposal to sanction leaders in Georgia, said Vedant Patel, the State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson. He was asked if the US would consider sanctioning Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party.
Patel said that taking one action or making a specific decision doesn’t mean the US will take another action in the future. He emphasized that the US is using its tools to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable in Georgia.
US Announces New Sanctions
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Georgian minister of internal affairs and a special task department leader. These individuals were involved in crackdowns on media members and peaceful protesters, including during demonstrations in 2024.
Additionally, the State Department announced that it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia and their family members. This action follows previous visa restrictions announced last week.
US Condemns Georgian Dream’s Actions
The US strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s ongoing violence against citizens, protesters, and human rights activists. Patel said that the US is committed to promoting accountability for those involved in human rights abuses and undermining democracy in Georgia.
The US believes that the Georgian Dream party has turned away from a Euro-Atlantic future, which the Georgian people want and the constitution envisions.