**Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia Restrict Access to Georgian Officials**
Three Baltic countries – Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia – have blocked the entry of several high-ranking officials from Georgia. These individuals are associated with the ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), led by Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The decision was made by the foreign ministers of these countries: Gabrielius Lansbergis of Lithuania, Baiba Braze of Latvia, and Margus Tsahkna of Estonia. The banned officials include several high-ranking members of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
**Rising Concerns Over Democracy in Georgia**
The sanctions come amid growing concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Georgia. The situation escalated when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would pause EU accession negotiations until 2028.
This decision sparked widespread protests within the country, which were met with violent force by riot police and masked men. There have been reports of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, including physical abuse, tear gas, water cannons, and arrests.
**Journalists Targeted**
There have also been incidents where journalists were targeted by riot police, resulting in broken cameras, physical assaults, and arrests. The ongoing situation has drawn international attention, with calls for accountability and respect for democratic principles growing louder.
**International Response**
The European Union‘s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has been urged to impose sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for electoral fraud, democratic backsliding, and the repression of civil society. The EU leadership has expressed regret over Georgia’s decision to pause EU accession negotiations.
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