**Poland Bans Georgian Law Enforcement Officials Amid Ongoing Protests**
In a move to condemn the increasing repression of opposition in Georgia, Poland has banned eight representatives of Georgian law enforcement authorities from entering its territory. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this announcement on April 17, stating that it supports the pro-European aspirations of Georgian society.
The decision comes amidst mass protests in Tbilisi and other regions of Georgia, which started in November and December 2024. These protests were triggered by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to suspend Georgia’s EU integration process until 2028. Protesters have faced repeated crackdowns by security forces, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, raiding opposition offices, and making arbitrary arrests.
**Escalating Violence Against Protesters**
Reports of physical assaults on peaceful demonstrators, attacks on journalists and media workers, and widespread human rights abuses have been documented. The protests have continued for over 140 days, with no signs of abatement. This escalation of violence has led to international condemnation, with several countries imposing sanctions on Georgian officials.
**Global Condemnation**
Poland is not the only country to take action against Georgia’s government. Other nations, including Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States, have also imposed sanctions in response to the government’s actions. These countries are condemning the human rights abuses and the suspension of EU integration.
**A Growing List of Sanctions**
This move by Poland is part of a growing list of international condemnation of Georgia’s government. Other countries have taken similar steps, including:
* Imposing entry bans on GD officials
* Sanctioning senior judges for “serious corruption”
* Condemning human rights abuses and threatening sanctions
These actions demonstrate the global concern about the situation in Georgia and highlight the need for reform.
**What’s Next?**
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the Georgian government will respond to international pressure. Will they take steps to address the concerns of protesters and restore stability, or will they maintain their current course? The world is watching, and the consequences of their actions will have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.
**Read More**
For more information on this story and related articles, click on the links below:
* [UPDATE: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Expand Sanctions on Georgian Officials](https://civil.ge/archives/666721)
* [UK Sanctions Georgia’s Prosecutor General, Three Security Officials for Human Rights Abuses](https://civil.ge/archives/675183)
* [UK Sanctions Senior Georgian Judges Over “Serious Corruption”](https://civil.ge/archives/673347)
