Georgia's Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and four other senior officials have been sanctioned by Britain for serious human rights violations. The measures include a travel ban on the UK and a freeze on their assets that could fall under the jurisdiction of British authorities, quoted by BTA.
Reasons for the sanctions
Gomelauri and the other sanctioned individuals were accused of the repression that followed the protests against the government, the growing suppression of civil society and media freedom. These events occurred after the “Georgian Dream“ party frozen Georgia's application to join the European Union.
Support for the people of Georgia
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed that the actions of the Georgian government constitute a gross violation of democratic principles and the right of the people to exercise their freedoms. Lammy said that Britain stands with the citizens of Georgia and will consider all options to ensure accountability for those responsible.
US in coordination with UK
The US has also imposed sanctions on the same individuals, with their actions coordinated with the UK, DPA confirmed.