Baltic States Impose Additional Sanctions on Georgian Officials Over Human Rights Violations
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have imposed further sanctions against Georgian officials accused of involvement in human rights violations. The new measures target individuals believed to be responsible for enforcing repressive actions on behalf of the Georgian Dream (GD) party, particularly focusing on judges, prosecutors, police officers, and other key officials.
Estonia has sanctioned 55 individuals, Lithuania has added 74 people to its blacklist, and Latvia has placed 16 individuals under sanctions. These measures include travel bans and are aimed at those involved in judicial decisions and crackdowns on dissent.
"The violence used in Georgia against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is unacceptable, criminal, and in violation of human rights," said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. "The list includes judges, prosecutors, police officials and police commissioners, platform creators and members of parliament, who are responsible for the prosecution of protesters by the judicial system and judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The listed Georgian individuals have either taken part in violence or threatened it," he added. Estonia has now banned a total of 83 Georgian officials from entering the country.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys reiterated his country's support for the Georgian people, stating: "We stand with the people of Georgia in their pursuit of democracy and a European future."
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze announced: "I have added 16 Georgian citizens to Latvia's persona non grata list, banning them from entry into Latvia for an unlimited time. This decision was made in accordance with Section 61(2) of the Immigration Law."
The three Baltic countries have been among the first to act in response to Georgia's reported democratic decline and the ongoing alleged repression of peaceful protesters. Previously, they had already sanctioned prominent Georgian figures, including GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and senior Interior Ministry officials. This new round of sanctions targets individuals believed to have played key roles in undermining Georgia's democracy.
Through these measures, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania reaffirm their commitment to supporting Georgia's democratic ambitions and European integration while holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
