MEP Calls for Sanctions Against Georgian Officials Amid Protests and Accusations

MEP Petras Austrevicius has called for targeted sanctions against Georgian officials Vazha Siradze and Zviad Kharazishvili for detaining peaceful protesters amid ongoing demonstrations against the controversial "Foreign Agents Law" in Georgia. The proposed law, which Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze believes will advance Georgia's EU path, has been condemned as "deeply problematic" by the U.S. State Department.

Meanwhile, Georgian Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili has accused the European Democracy Fund of concealing funds in Georgia. Papuashvili criticized Austrevicius for demanding sanctions against the Georgian law enforcement officials, calling it an "assault on the Georgian police." He also accused the European Democracy Fund, managed by the same MEPs calling for sanctions, of funding the "romanticization of the Molotov cocktail" seen in Georgia last March.

During a plenary session in the European Parliament, various groups of European parliamentarians prepared draft resolutions demanding sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the oligarch and founder of the ruling party "Georgian Dream," Georgian deputies who voted for the "foreign agents" bill, and high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Some members also demanded the release of former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili from prison. The vote on the resolutions is scheduled for April 25th.

Why this matters: The ongoing protests and political tensions in Georgia have drawn international attention and criticism, particularly from the European Union. The calls for sanctions against Georgian officials and the ruling party highlight the growing concerns over the state of democracy and human rights in the country.

European Commissioner Janez Lenarčič called on the Georgian government to withdraw the "foreign agents" bill, while MEP Michael Gahler criticized the ruling party for copying Russian laws and promoting Russian-style governance. MEP Sven Mikser warned that if the Georgian parliament adopts the bill, Georgia should not expect to join the European Union. The debate at the European Parliament session was highly critical of the ruling Georgian Dream party's attempts to legislate against civil society groups and free media, with the opposition hoping that the talk of sanctions would incite the Georgian Dream to change its course.

Key Takeaways

• MEP Austrevicius calls for sanctions on Georgian officials over protest crackdown
• Georgian Parliament Chair accuses EU of funding "romanticization of Molotov cocktails"
• EU parliamentarians draft resolutions demanding sanctions on Ivanishvili and Georgian MPs
• EU criticizes Georgia's "foreign agents" bill, warns it could jeopardize EU accession
• Ongoing protests and tensions in Georgia draw international attention and criticism