US Sanctions Bidzina Ivanishvili Amid Protests

The United States has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, former prime minister and founder of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, for undermining the country's democratic institutions and Euro-Atlantic aspirations in favor of Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Ivanishvili's actions have led to human rights abuses and curtailed freedoms in Georgia, leaving the nation vulnerable to Russian influence. These sanctions follow mass protests against the Georgian government's decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, which has been met with a violent crackdown on dissent. Ivanishvili's leadership has been condemned for its repression of citizens, activists, and media personnel. The U.S. aims to promote accountability for those threatening democracy and human rights in Georgia, highlighting the constitutional mandate for EU membership that the Georgian people overwhelmingly support. The sanctions freeze Ivanishvili's assets within U.S. jurisdiction under Executive Order 14024.