**Democracy on the Line: British MEP Calls for Sanctions Against Georgian Billionaire**
Georgia, a country once hailed as a beacon of democracy in the Caucasus region, is at a crossroads. According to British MEP James McCleary, Georgia’s future hangs precariously between democracy and authoritarianism. The 2024 elections, which were meant to reaffirm Georgia’s commitment to democratic values, instead revealed a disturbing trend: the Georgian Dream government is systematically dismantling the very democracy it claims to defend.
“The regime is becoming increasingly authoritarian,” McCleary stated during a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. “Instead of leading Georgia to its rightful place in the European family, the current leadership has chosen a different path. A path that brings it even closer to the Kremlin.”
One key example of this trend, according to McCleary, is the arrest of Elene Khoshtaria, a prominent opposition leader. This arrest was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader strategy to suppress dissenting voices.
However, as McCleary noted, there are some positive developments. The Supreme Court in Great Britain recently ruled against Irakli Rukhadze, the owner of Imedi TV, which has been accused of promoting pro-Russian propaganda. This verdict is seen as a significant blow to the evil network undermining Georgian democracy.
**The Role of Bidzina Ivanishvili**
But despite these glimmers of hope, McCleary’s message was clear: if we truly want to protect democracy in Georgia, then sanctions against the country’s most influential figure, Bidzina Ivanishvili, must be imposed now. As a billionaire with ties to the Kremlin and control over key Georgian institutions, Ivanishvili is seen as the central figure behind the erosion of democratic values in Georgia.
“His huge personal wealth, ties to the Kremlin, and control over Georgian institutions make him not only an influential person but also a person who is destroying democracy,” McCleary emphasized. “Sanctions must be imposed now against Ivanishvili and his associates, such as Rukhadze. The Georgian people have made their aspirations clear: they want to be part of Europe, not just geographically, but politically, economically, and morally.”
**A Call to Action**
In conclusion, McCleary’s message is a call to action. If we truly value democracy in Georgia, then it is time to take a moral step: impose sanctions against Ivanishvili and his associates. By doing so, we can support the Georgian people’s aspirations and help prevent the country from sliding further into authoritarianism.
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