he United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday, accusing him of facilitating human rights violations and undermining the country’s democratic progress. According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Ivanishvili’s actions have benefited Russia while hindering Georgia’s path to a European future.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Ivanishvili and his party for weakening democratic institutions, restricting basic freedoms, and derailing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which are strongly supported by the Georgian people. Blinken also pointed to Georgia’s increasing vulnerability to Russian influence as a result of these actions, citing the ongoing Russian occupation of over 20% of Georgian territory.
The sanctions come in the wake of escalating pro-EU protests in Georgia, sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement in November to halt EU accession talks until 2028. Over 290 people have been arrested, and more than 150 police officers have been injured in clashes during the protests. Ivanishvili’s office has yet to respond to the sanctions.
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