Bidzina Grigoris Dze Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has been sanctioned for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia in favor of the Russian Federation.
The U.S. Department of State, through Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announced the designation on Friday. Blinken condemned Ivanishvili’s role in eroding democratic institutions, enabling human rights abuses, and restricting fundamental freedoms in Georgia. He emphasized that Ivanishvili’s actions have disrupted Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which are strongly supported by the Georgian people and mandated by the country’s constitution.
Sanctions were imposed under US Executive Order 14024, targeting individuals responsible for actions that undermine democratic processes or institutions, directly or indirectly benefiting the Russian government. Blinken also condemned the ongoing repression of Georgian citizens, including protestors, media members, human rights activists, and opposition figures, under Ivanishvili’s leadership.
“This has left Georgia vulnerable to Russian influence, with more than 20 percent of its territory under Russian occupation,” Blinken stated.
The U.S. remains committed to holding accountable those who undermine democracy and human rights in Georgia.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
