Prepared by Messenger Staff
Estonia Imposes Additional Sanctions on Georgian Officials
Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, announced new sanctions against 14 Georgian officials and judges, including PM Irakli Kobakhidze. The move targets what Estonia describes as a "brutal and repressive regime" aimed at peaceful citizens.
The decision precedes the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 16, where Union-wide sanctions against Georgian Dream officials are set to be discussed.
"The violence the Georgian authorities are using against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is unacceptable, criminal, and against human rights," Tsahkna stated. He urged EU nations to take similar measures against those undermining democracy in Georgia.
With these latest sanctions, Estonia has now targeted 25 Georgian officials. The measures follow international backlash over the Georgian government's handling of protests. Demonstrations erupted after Kobakhidze announced a suspension of Georgia's EU integration process until 2028.
Lithuania Expands Sanctions on Georgian Officials
Lithuania has imposed sanctions on 17 Georgian politicians, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, over violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys announced the decision, highlighting Lithuania's support for the Georgian people and their European aspirations.
"Lithuania stands with the people of Georgia and their European dream," Budrys said. "In coordination with Estonia, we have expanded the list of sanctioned Georgian politicians by adding 17 more individuals, including Prime Minister Kobakhidze. We will not tolerate violence and oppression against peaceful protesters, journalists, and the opposition. It's time for joint EU-level action now."
The announcement comes ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 16, where Union-wide sanctions against Georgian Dream officials will be discussed.
