**UK Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Judges**
The UK has imposed sanctions on two high-profile judges, Mikheil Chinchaladze and Levan Murusidze. This move is a significant blow to the judiciary in Georgia.
According to Giorgi Rukhadze, founder of the Strategic Analysis Center, sanctioning judges sends a clear message that there is no free judiciary in Georgia. “A sanctioned judge means exactly that,” he said.
Rukhadze believes that Murusidze and Chinchaladze were chosen because they are key figures in the judicial system. By sanctioning them, the UK is highlighting the corruption within the Georgian judiciary. Corruption goes beyond taking bribes; it also includes complying with government demands to appoint certain individuals to positions.
**Consequences of Sanctions**
The sanctions will have significant consequences for Murusidze and Chinchaladze. Their bank accounts have been frozen, making it difficult for them to receive salaries or conduct financial transactions. They will also be unable to travel to Europe, the UK, or the US.
While they may find ways to work around these restrictions, Rukhadze notes that the main issue is not whether they receive cash payments but their loss of privileges and freedom. “He will no longer be able to use the banking system,” he said.
**US Statement on Georgian Democracy**
The US State Department has made a statement calling the actions of the Georgian Dream government anti-democratic. Rukhadze sees this as a clear declaration that the Ivanishvili regime is undemocratic and lacks a democratic mandate.
Rukhadze believes that one of the key demands from the US will be the release of political prisoners and securing a democratic mandate through new elections. However, the Georgian government has shown no intention of holding new elections and instead plans to launch a new wave of repressions.
**Propaganda Strategy**
Georgian Dream is using propaganda to portray the US in a contradictory manner. They will praise the US when it benefits their regime and criticize it when it harms them.
Rukhadze sees this as simple propaganda aimed at brainwashing the domestic audience.