The United States has sanctioned the oligarch who effectively governs Georgia for actions "in Russia's interest." However, sanctions alone are not enough to eliminate the pro-Russian regime. Concrete measures are needed to help the Georgian people drive out Russian puppets.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling party Georgian Dream, a former prime minister, and billionaire. The decision was published on the U.S. Treasury Department's website. The sanctions were enacted for Ivanishvili's actions "directly or indirectly in the interest or on behalf of Russia," according to the statement.

All of Ivanishvili's assets located in the U.S. or under the control of American citizens will be frozen. The decision is based on an executive order issued by President Joe Biden in April 2021 in response to "harmful activities of the Russian Federation." The order allows sanctions against individuals who undermine democratic institutions and engage in international corruption.

Earlier, on December 13, the U.S. imposed visa restrictions on those deemed responsible for "undermining democracy in Georgia." The list included 20 individuals, though their names were not disclosed. U.S. officials announced that additional restrictions would be applied to Georgian representatives. The State Department explained that the measures were introduced in response to the crackdown on protesters in Georgia. The protests were linked to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to delay European integration.

To recall, Georgia's opposition considers the October parliamentary elections fraudulent. According to the Central Election Commission, Georgian Dream was declared the winner. Four opposition parties also entered parliament but have refused to participate in its work.

Previously, the Georgian Dream government initiated the adoption of laws sharply criticized by Western nations: the "Foreign Influence Transparency" law, aimed at restricting NGOs receiving foreign funding, and a law banning so-called "LGBT propaganda".

Source: svoboda.org