**Georgian Dream Party Responds to UK Sanctions Threat**
The Georgian Dream party has released a statement condemning the UK’s recent motion to sanction its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The party is also criticizing the UK’s previous sanctions against Georgian officials.
According to the GD’s political council, the UK’s actions are “shocking” and go against Britain’s historical role in developing legal principles and fundamental human rights. The party is defending Ivanishvili, stating that he saved Georgia from authoritarian rule and brought democratic breakthroughs to the country.
**GD Uses ‘Deep State’ Conspiracy Theory**
Georgian Dream used its widely used “deep state” conspiracy theory to claim that the UK’s motion was orchestrated by a secret group of powerful individuals. The party stated that if sanctions are imposed on Ivanishvili, it would show that the UK has been reduced to the level of Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, and the European Parliament.
**Background**
The statement comes in response to an Early Day Motion (EDM) introduced by MP James MacCleary, which calls for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili. Previously, on December 19, the UK imposed sanctions on five senior Georgian officials, including GD’s Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.
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