The USA introduced the first sanctions against Georgia in connection with the adoption of the law on “foreign agents”
The USA introduced the first package of sanctions against Georgian officials after the controversial “foreign agents” law was passed, which is seen as an attack on press freedom in Georgia.
At the same time, Washington warned that there may be new ones behind this package.
“Today, we are taking measures to introduce visa restrictions for dozens of Georgian individuals”, – announced the representative of the State Department, Matthew Miller.
“This applies to individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, including undermining freedom of peaceful assembly and association, violent attacks on peaceful demonstrators, intimidation of civil society representatives, and the deliberate dissemination of disinformation at the behest of the Government of Georgia“, he explained.
Miller noted that the sanctions also apply to family members of these persons. The representative of the State Department did not name any names, but noted that the restrictions will affect “several dozen” people.
According to Miller, the first visa restrictions will affect members of the Georgian Dream party, members of parliament, law enforcement officers and private individuals.
“We hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider their actions and take steps to advance their country’s longstanding democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. If they don’t, the US is ready to take additional measures,” – said the representative of the State Department.
Miller said the US remains deeply concerned about the anti-democratic actions of Georgian Dream, as well as the party’s recent statements and rhetoric.
“These actions can damage the European future of Georgia and are against the Constitution of Georgia and the wishes of its people“, said the representative of the State Department.
He recalled that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently announced a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia in light of recent events.
Miller made it clear that US financial aid to Georgia may suffer further.
“I must say that we will continue to review the financial assistance to Georgia, and all of this is potentially at risk“, – he said.
