**Estonia Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Officials**
Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, has announced new sanctions against 14 top Georgian officials and judges. This move comes as a response to the violent treatment of protesters by the Georgian government.
The sanctioned individuals include Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili, and several judges from Tbilisi City Court. Estonia has now imposed sanctions on 25 Georgian officials in total.
Tsahkna said that the violence used against peaceful citizens is “unacceptable” and called on other European Union countries to take action. The decision was made ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for December 16.
**Georgia’s Government Under Fire**
The international community has been critical of Georgia’s government for its handling of protests sparked by Kobakhidze’s announcement to suspend the country’s EU integration process until 2028. Protesters were met with excessive force, including tear gas and physical assaults.
Human rights activists have reported widespread raids on offices and homes, arbitrary detentions, and instances of alleged torture and mistreatment. The US State Department has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia.
**International Pressure Mounts**
The international backlash against Georgia’s government is growing. US senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch have urged the Biden administration to take further action. As Georgia’s political crisis deepens, its allies are increasingly united in their condemnation, signaling pressure on Tbilisi to reverse its trajectory away from European integration.
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