US sanctions Georgian Dream founder for undermining democracy

The United States has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, accusing him of undermining the country’s democratic institutions and its Euro-Atlantic future in favor of Russian interests. 

The US Department of the Treasury announced the designation, citing Ivanishvili’s role in eroding democratic processes, enabling human rights abuses, and curbing fundamental freedoms in Georgia, Caliber.Az reports.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Ivanishvili’s leadership has contributed to a weakening of Georgia’s sovereignty, leaving the country more vulnerable to Russian influence. 

Blinken condemned the Georgian Dream party's actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, which include violent repression of protesters, media figures, human rights activists, and opposition members. He emphasized that these actions have significantly harmed Georgia’s path toward greater integration with Europe and NATO, a goal strongly supported by the Georgian public and enshrined in the country’s constitution.

The US government asserts that Ivanishvili’s actions align with the interests of the Russian Federation, which continues to occupy over 20 per cent of Georgian territory. This sanction is part of a broader US commitment to hold accountable individuals and entities that undermine democracy and human rights, both in Georgia and globally.

The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14024, targeting individuals involved in actions or policies that weaken democratic processes or institutions, particularly those benefiting or aligning with the Russian government. 

By Vafa Guliyeva