The U.S. Department of State has announced the implementation of further visa restrictions targeting individuals involved in undermining democracy in Georgia. This decision will impact around twenty people, including government ministers, members of Parliament, law enforcement and security officials, as well as private citizens.
The United States has expressed strong condemnation towards the Georgian Dream party for its ongoing violence against citizens, which includes actions against protesters, media personnel, human rights activists, and opposition figures. The statement highlights that the Georgian Dream party is diverging from Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations—a direction favored by the majority of Georgians and supported by their constitution. The U.S. remains committed to imposing visa restrictions on senior officials responsible for or complicit in these actions.
In addition to these visa restrictions, further measures such as sanctions are being prepared to hold accountable those who undermine democratic processes in Georgia. The United States aims to support a stable and democratic Georgia integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community. These recent actions reflect U.S. determination and build upon previous measures affecting over 100 individuals affiliated with the Georgian Dream party and their families.
Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State
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The imposition of these visa restrictions was executed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, following a policy announced by Secretary Blinken in May 2024.
