The US has imposed sanctions on Georgian officials over their actions that undermine fundamental freedoms in Georgia, including freedom of expression.
The sanctions were imposed on the Chief of the Special Task Department, Zviad Kharazishvili, his Deputy, Mileri Lagazauri, and two persons associated with Alt-Info, a media company – Konstantine Morgoshia (the company’s founder) and Konstantine Morgoshia.
The sanctions were imposed on Zviad Kharazishvili, the Chief of the Special Task Department; Mileri Lagazauri, his deputy; and two individuals associated with Alt-Info media company, Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze.
“The US remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to undermine the rights of the Georgian people,” said Acting Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith.
The decision about these sanctions was initiated by mass protests against the proposed legislation. The ruling Georgia Dream party passed a law titled “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” known colloquially as the “foreign influence law,” that Secretary of State Antony Blinken said would stifle fundamental freedoms, including media freedom. That law looks like the Russian law that suppresses hundreds of opposition politicians and journalists.
After the publication of OFAC’s statement about sanctions, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan. The Prime Minister noted that the American side had come closer to critical limits and that if another decision like this were made, it might call for a reconsideration of Georgia’s position on Georgia-American relations.
According to the Prime Minister, the ruling team is convinced that the decision made on behalf of the US Department of State will cement public motivation to take a strong stand and guard Georgia’s independence and sovereignty.
