The United States has announced sanctions against Bidzina Grigoris Dze Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream. According to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Ivanishvili is being sanctioned for actions that have undermined Georgia's democratic institutions and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations in favor of the Russian Federation.
The U.S. government accuses Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream of eroding democratic structures, enabling human rights abuses, and restricting fundamental freedoms within Georgia. These actions are seen as having jeopardized Georgia's future alignment with Euro-Atlantic institutions—a direction strongly supported by the Georgian populace and enshrined in the nation's constitution. As a result, Georgia remains vulnerable to Russian influence, with Russia continuing to occupy over 20 percent of its territory.
"We strongly condemn Georgian Dream’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership," stated Blinken. The U.S. condemns what it describes as ongoing violent repression against Georgian citizens, protestors, media members, human rights activists, and opposition figures under Ivanishvili's guidance.
Ivanishvili is designated under section 1(a)(ii)(C) of Executive Order 14024 for his alleged involvement in activities or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions both domestically and internationally on behalf of or benefiting the Russian government.
