Estonia sanctions 55 Georgian security officials over protest violence, threats

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has announced an entry ban to a further 55 Georgians connected to the security sector, including judges, for their role in using violence against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders.

The Estonian government has taken a strong stance against the new government in Georgia, its democratic backsliding, and subsequent crackdown on protesters, the media and opposition partners, Caliber.Az reports via Estonian media.

All three Baltic states sanctioned security officials and members of the ruling Georgian Dream party last year, moving faster than both the EU and U.S.

I signed an order whereby Estonia imposes a ban on entry for 55 Georgian 🇬🇪 prosecutors, judges, police officials, MPs, & others.

🇪🇪 consistently shows 🇬🇪people that we support their efforts to once again achieve a democratic Georgia.

Full statement▶️https://t.co/aFnOhvFmih

— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) March 3, 2025

"The list includes judges, prosecutors, police officials and police commissioners, platform creators and members of parliament, who are responsible for the prosecution of protesters by the judicial system and judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The listed Georgian individuals have either taken part in violence or threatened it," the minister said in a statement published on March 3.

Tsahkna added: "The violence used in Georgia against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is unacceptable, criminal and in violation of human rights."

In total, Estonia has banned 83 Georgian individuals from entering its territory.  

By Khagan Isayev