UK Reduces Cooperation with Georgian Government Over Use of Force
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, February 27, 2025
During a debate in the House of Commons, UK Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty expressed concern over the use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Georgia. He condemned the actions of the Georgian authorities and outlined the UK's response, which includes reducing cooperation with the ruling Georgian Dream party.
"I am deeply concerned about the use of force by the Georgian authorities against peaceful demonstrators and journalists, which is completely unacceptable. In response, we have suspended aid to the Georgian government, restricted defence cooperation and reduced our engagement with the Georgian Dream. We have imposed visa bans and sanctions on those responsible for the violence and continue to work to support civil society and the media," Doughty stated.
The discussion also touched on potential sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, whose assets are held in the UK and overseas territories. When asked whether the UK would join its allies in freezing Ivanishvili's assets, Doughty declined to comment in advance, stating that such discussions would weaken the impact of any future sanctions.
"In cooperation with the US, the UK has imposed sanctions against the Home Secretary and Deputy Home Secretary, as well as three police officers responsible for the violence. As we continue to closely monitor the situation in Georgia, we are not commenting on potential sanctions, as this would dilute their impact," he added.
