Georgian Dream Accuses UK of Falling Under 'Deep State' Influence in Ivanishvili Sanctions Debate
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, January 17, 2025
The Georgian Dream party has issued a statement accusing the United Kingdom of falling under the influence of a "Deep State" conspiracy as the UK House of Commons considers sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the party. This initiative follows the UK's decision to sanction Vakhtang Gomelauri, Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs, and other high-ranking officials.
The statement sharply criticized the UK government, alleging it has abandoned its historic commitment to justice and the rule of law. It also accused the UK of aligning with forces they described as the "Global War Party" in an effort to undermine Georgia's sovereignty.
The Georgian Dream statement underscored the United Kingdom's historical contributions to the development of human rights and procedural fairness, particularly the right to a fair trial. However, it claimed that these principles are being disregarded in the current context.
"It is surprising that what was understood in England back in the 13th and 17th centuries was completely forgotten and trampled underfoot by the British government in the 21st century," the statement declared.
The party condemned the sanctions initiative as politically motivated, claiming it lacks any factual basis or due process. It framed the potential sanctions against Ivanishvili as emblematic of a broader trend of unjust actions by Western nations.
The statement likened the UK's potential actions to what it described as "five unjust and shameful anti-Georgian resolutions" passed by the European Parliament. It also referenced sanctions imposed by Ukraine, Lithuania, and Estonia, accusing them of similarly acting without evidence.
"We all remember the unfair and shameful Ukrainian sanctions against Georgian politicians, civil servants, and their family members, which were not supported by any facts or evidence," the party wrote. It claimed these measures are part of a coordinated effort by the "Deep State" to undermine Georgia's independence.
The statement defended Ivanishvili's legacy, asserting that his role in Georgian politics was pivotal to the country's democratic transition and economic growth.
"Today, without any basis, sanctions are being threatened against the leader of the ruling party of Georgia, who saved Georgia from authoritarian rule, brought a democratic transition to the country, ended the systematic practice of murdering and torturing people, business racketeering, kidnapping the media, and rigging elections, maintained the country for 12 years of continuous peace, and tripled the economy," the statement reads.
The statement issued a dire warning about the potential consequences for the UK's global standing if sanctions against Ivanishvili are imposed.
"If Great Britain imposes sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, it will be clearly seen that the 'Deep State' has brought Great Britain to the level of Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, and the European Parliament, which should be considered an exceptionally tragic event considering the historical past of this state," it read.
The party further claimed that such actions would tarnish Britain's reputation as a nation rooted in justice and human rights. "Britain's authority as a nation based on the rule of law and basic human rights will finally be a thing of the past," the statement said.
Georgian Dream alleged that the UK is being manipulated by a "Deep State" or "Global War Party," which it accuses of orchestrating a campaign to destabilize sovereign nations.
"It is extremely disturbing that a country like Great Britain has today been turned into another plaything by the Deep State, a.k.a. the Global War Party, just like Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, and the European Parliament," the statement declared.
This statement is the latest in a series of confrontations between Georgian Dream and Western nations.
