**US Congressman Accuses Georgian Officials of Enabling State Capture**
A list of high-ranking Georgian officials, judges, media figures, and businesspeople has been released by US Congressman Joe Wilson, accusing them of enabling state capture and aligning Georgia with US adversaries. The list includes Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and other key figures from the executive and legislative branches.
The announcement comes after the passage of the MEGOBARI Act in the US House of Representatives, a bipartisan bill that aims to authorize sanctions against Georgian Dream party members and senior government officials who engage in significant corruption, political violence, or intimidation. The legislation now moves to the Senate for further debate and a vote before heading to the President for final approval.
The list includes:
* **Executive and Law Enforcement:** Irakli Kobakhidze (Prime Minister), Kakha Kaladze (Mayor of Tbilisi and GD Secretary), Irakli Garibashvili (former GD Chairman)
* **Legislature:** Shalva Papuashvili (Speaker of GD Parliament), Nino Tsilosani (Deputy Speaker of GD Parliament)
* **Judiciary:** Mikheil Chinchaladze (Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal), Levan Murusidze (Member of the High Council of Justice)
* **Key Institutions:** Giorgi Gabitashvili (General Prosecutor of Georgia), Karlo Katsitadze (Chief of the Special Investigative Service)
* **Business:** Ucha Mamatsashvili, Ivane Chkhartishvili
* **Propaganda:** Irakli Rukhadze (owner of Imedi TV), Lasha Natsvlishvili (founder of PosTV)
The list is a result of the US government’s growing concern over Georgia’s democratic backsliding and its alignment with countries like China, Iran, and Russia. The MEGOBARI Act aims to hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices or undermine Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
**What does this mean for Georgia?**
The passage of the MEGOBARI Act and the release of the list by Congressman Wilson mark a significant escalation in the US government’s criticism of Georgia’s democratic slide. The sanctions imposed on Georgian officials could have far-reaching consequences, including restrictions on travel and access to US assets.
Georgia’s government has faced growing criticism over its handling of corruption cases, media freedom, and human rights abuses. The MEGOBARI Act aims to address these concerns by holding accountable those who engage in corrupt practices or undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions.
**What’s next?**
The legislation now moves to the Senate for further debate and a vote before heading to the President for final approval. If passed, it will be the first time that the US government has imposed sanctions on Georgian officials over concerns about state capture and corruption.
The development comes at a critical moment in Georgia’s relations with the West, as the country prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary of independence. The MEGOBARI Act is a clear message from the US government that it expects Georgia to live up to its democratic commitments and ensure accountability for those who engage in corrupt practices.
**Also Read:**
* **MEGOBARI Act: What does it mean for Georgia?**
* **US Congress passes bill aimed at sanctioning Georgian officials over corruption concerns**
