Seven detained Georgian opposition politicians have sent a letter to the UK Foreign Secretary regarding ties between “Georgian Dream” and Iran, as reported by The Guardian.
According to the publication, the seven detained opposition politicians are calling on Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to impose sanctions due to the “unprecedented expansion” of Iranian influence in Georgia.
“They urge Cooper to impose sanctions against those who, allegedly, are strengthening ties with Iran, as well as against ‘owners of propaganda outlets’ operating in Georgia, including those ‘based in London’ who spread the Georgian government’s messages,” the publication states.
In the letter sent to Yvette Cooper, the detained politicians write: “We respectfully urge you to consider extending sanctions against these individuals, their organizations, and their family members, so that they can no longer benefit from the privileges of British democratic society while seeking to undermine it.”
According to the publication, the detained Georgian politicians write in the letter that they are “detained by the ‘Russian-backed Georgian Dream regime'” and that the ruling party is strengthening ties with Tehran. They claim this is confirmed by the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili to the Iranian embassy to “express solidarity” after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The letter also mentions Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Tehran, where he stood alongside leaders of “Hamas” and “Hezbollah,” with chants of “Death to America” being heard.
The detained politicians write: “In recent years, ‘Georgian Dream’ and its patron, oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, have achieved full control over all state institutions and complete capture of the state, gradually dismantling the democratic constitutional order. Currently, the number of political prisoners per capita in Georgia is higher (over 60) than in Russia. Civil society is under attack through draconian legislation similar to Russia’s, aimed at its complete destruction. No less alarming is the unprecedented expansion of Iranian influence.”
“The United Kingdom has already demonstrated leadership by imposing sanctions against members of ‘Georgian Dream’s’ repressive apparatus. These measures had real impact and were deeply appreciated by our people. Nevertheless, we are concerned that ‘Georgian Dream’s’ main enablers—business partners, members of Mr. Ivanishvili’s family, and owners of propaganda outlets that, according to credible reports, spread disinformation prepared in the Russian style, including against the United Kingdom – continue to benefit from the UK financial system, while some of their operations, as is known, are based in London,” the letter states.
The Guardian: Detained Georgian Opposition Politicians Send Letter to UK Foreign Secretary Urging Sanctions Due to “Unprecedented Expansion” of Ties Between “Georgian Dream” and Iran
