**Western Countries Sanction Over 230 Members of Georgian Dream**
The Georgian Dream, a ruling party in Georgia, has faced severe sanctions from nine Western countries. These nations have penalized more than 230 members and associates of the party for their actions against democracy and human rights.
According to Transparency International Georgia, a non-governmental organization, these sanctions were imposed due to the party’s brutal suppression of peaceful protests, undermining democracy, and advancing Russian interests in Georgia. The list includes high-ranking officials from law enforcement and security systems, judges, prosecutors, police officers, municipal leaders, business leaders, propagandists, and family members.
**United States Imposes Visa Restrictions**
The United States has been particularly harsh on the Georgian Dream, imposing visa restrictions on over 110 individuals, including party members, government figures, law enforcement officials, corrupt business leaders, propaganda actors, and some private citizens. The names of these individuals are not made public due to confidentiality laws.
**European Council Suspends Visa-Free Travel**
In a significant move, the European Council suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials in January 2025. This decision was taken as a response to Georgia’s democratic backsliding and human rights violations. The suspension affects various categories of individuals, including members of official delegations, government and parliament members, and holders of diplomatic passports.
**Multiple EU Countries Impose Visa Restrictions**
Several EU countries have also imposed visa restrictions on Georgian officials. Latvia has banned 84 Georgians from entering the country, while Poland has restricted eight representatives of law enforcement authorities responsible for violence against protesters. Germany has blocked 13 individuals who were “primarily responsible for violence against protesters and opposition members.”
**European Parliament Demands Sanctions**
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on February 13, 2025, urging EU member states to freeze assets and sanction high-ranking officials of the Georgian Dream, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family. The resolution also calls for new elections in Georgia.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these sanctions will affect the Georgian government and its relations with Western countries.
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