Washington Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Officials for Human Rights Abuse and Anti-Democratic Actions
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on four Georgian individuals, including two government officials and two far-right media figures, for their roles in violent crackdowns on peaceful protests and marginalized groups. The sanctions, issued under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, target key figures involved in what U.S. officials describe as serious human rights abuses in Georgia.
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that Zviad Kharazishvili, Chief of Georgia's Special Task Department, and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri, were sanctioned for overseeing the violent suppression of peaceful protests in May 2024. These protests were sparked by the controversial "foreign influence law," passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which critics argue restricts media freedom and civil society.
According to U.S. officials, Kharazishvili and Lagazauri were responsible for directing security forces that violently attacked protestors, opposition leaders, and journalists. The protests, which drew significant international attention, opposed legislation that required organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as foreign agents. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, had previously condemned the law, stating it would undermine fundamental freedoms in Georgia.
"These sanctions underscore our concern about the consequences of anti-democratic actions in Georgia," said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Smith emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to holding accountable those who use violence and intimidation to stifle democratic processes.
In addition to sanctioning the two government officials, the Treasury also targeted Konstantine Morgoshia, founder of the far-right media outlet Alt-Info, and media figure Zurab Makharadze. Both are accused of inciting violence against marginalized communities during protests in 2021 and 2023. According to U.S. officials, Morgoshia used his platform to spread disinformation and hate speech, leading violent attacks on activists and journalists. Makharadze is said to have played a key role in organizing and funding these violent actions.
As a result of these sanctions, all assets and property belonging to the designated individuals in the U.S. will be frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from engaging in any financial transactions with them. The Treasury noted that this action aims to block their access to the global financial system and pressure them to cease their repressive activities.
The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13818, which builds on the Global Magnitsky Act, a law designed to target human rights abuses and corruption worldwide. U.S. officials stated that the sanctions send a clear message against the violent suppression of free expression and peaceful assembly, which are fundamental rights.
In a broader context, these sanctions reflect growing international concerns about Georgia's political trajectory. The U.S. has been increasingly critical of the Georgian government's actions, especially after the passage of the "foreign influence law," which many believe is modeled on similar legislation in Russia. Human rights groups have warned that the law could erode democratic institutions and further isolate Georgia from the West.
The sanctions come at a time when Georgia's government faces mounting criticism for its handling of protests and its crackdown on civil society. U.S. officials expressed their hope that these measures would prompt a reevaluation of such policies by the Georgian government.
