GOV UK,UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for brutal crackdown on media and protestors

UK Sanctions Georgian Officials Responsible for Brutal Crackdown on Media and Protesters

19 December 2024

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on three senior Georgian officials responsible for a brutal crackdown on media and protesters in the country.

The sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, were announced by the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, who condemned the “disproportionate and excessive use of force” by the Georgian authorities.

The three officials targeted by the sanctions are:

  • Vakhtang Gomelauri, Minister of Internal Affairs
  • Giorgi Gakharia, former Prime Minister
  • Mikheil Saakashvili, former President

The sanctions were imposed in response to the violent crackdown on protesters in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, on 18 December 2024. The protests were sparked by the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the opposition United National Movement.

The Georgian authorities responded to the protests with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Dozens of protesters were injured and several were arrested.

The crackdown on the media has also been condemned by international observers. In recent months, several journalists have been attacked and harassed by the authorities.

The UK sanctions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the international community to pressure the Georgian government to respect human rights and the rule of law.

The European Union has suspended financial assistance to Georgia and the United States has imposed sanctions on several Georgian officials.

The Georgian government has defended its actions, saying that the protests were illegal and that the use of force was necessary to maintain order. However, the international community has called on the Georgian government to investigate the use of excessive force and to hold those responsible to account.

The UK sanctions are a clear signal that the international community will not tolerate the suppression of human rights and freedom of expression in Georgia.


UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for brutal crackdown on media and protestors

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