“Zelensky reminded that “Ukraine has already applied a full set of sanctions against Ivanishvili and key persons in his mafia group””, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
The Ukrainian leader called the restrictions “a strong step in support of the Georgian people and our entire region.”
“Ivanishvili is the de facto ruler in Tbilisi today and is doing everything to bring Georgia under Putin’s control. The loss of any country in our region, the destruction of democracy for one people, and the spread of criminal Russian influence create a danger for the entire region, for all peoples,” the president emphasized.
In addition, Zelensky reminded that “Ukraine has already applied a full set of sanctions against Ivanishvili and key persons in his mafia group.”
“Now another decisive action is strong American sanctions. And we call on all European partners, all partners in the world who value the normal life and freedom of peoples, to apply precisely such sanctions against Ivanishvili, so that he realizes what the price is for destroying the independence of his country and humiliating the Georgian people,” the president emphasized.
He also expressed hope that “no mafiosi will be able to steal the dream of the Georgian people about a free life in the family of free peoples, in the European community.”
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, whose legitimacy is not recognized by President Salomi Zurabishvili and the opposition, has already reacted to the US sanctions against the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
He added that he also spoke with Bidzina Ivanishvili recently, and “his position is the same – nothing special.”
Washington announced that it is adding Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, to the sanctions list for “undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia in favor of the Russian Federation.”
The United States condemns the actions of “Georgian Dream”, including the oppression of participants in protests in Georgia, representatives of the media, activists and the opposition.
“The United States is committed to bringing to justice those who undermine democracy and human rights in Georgia,” Blinken said.
Earlier, the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) introduced sanctions against the oligarch and founder of the ruling party of Georgia “Georgian Dream” Bidzina Ivanishvili, the head and officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia due to human rights violations. The list was published by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielus Landsbergis.
Ukraine added Ivanishvili and 19 other people to the list of sanctions.
Protests have been ongoing in Georgia since November 28. They began after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of negotiations on joining the EU until 2028. At the same time, the prime minister said that the Georgian authorities remain faithful to their goal and the country will be ready to join the EU by 2030.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, more than 400 people were detained during the actions: 30 were brought to criminal liability, and administrative cases were opened against 372 citizens.
According to Transparency International, more than 300 detainees were subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. 80 protesters required hospital treatment after being detained.