The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have announced an expansion of sanctions against Georgian officials, barring dozens of individuals from entering their countries. The move comes in response to alleged human rights violations and political repression in Georgia, following the Georgian Dream’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028.
Lithuania has sanctioned an additional 74 individuals, Estonia 55, and Latvia 16. The newly blacklisted individuals include judges, prosecutors, police officers, members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and other associated figures.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that the decision was made due to “serious human rights violations and repression in Georgia.” The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry described those sanctioned as being responsible for “serious and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Among those affected are officials linked to the case of Mzia Amaglobeli, the imprisoned founder of independent publications Netgazeti and Batumelebi. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry specifically pointed to police officers who allegedly provided false testimony against the journalist, leading to what they call his “illegal imprisonment.”
“We stand by the people of Georgia on their path to democracy and a European future,” he said.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsanka also confirmed the country’s expanded sanctions, stating: “I have signed an order prohibiting the entry into the country of 55 Georgian citizens – prosecutors, judges, police officials, parliamentarians, and others.”
“Estonia has consistently shown the Georgian people that we support their efforts to restore democracy in Georgia,” Tsanka added.
Estonia had previously imposed sanctions on 28 Georgian citizens, bringing the total number of those banned from entering the country to 83. Estonia is the first among the Baltic states to publish a full list of those sanctioned, which includes police officers, prosecutors, and judges connected to the Amaglobeli case.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze announced that 16 additional Georgian citizens had been added to Latvia’s list of persona non grata, effectively barring them from entering the country indefinitely.
However, Latvian authorities have not yet disclosed the names of those sanctioned.
The Baltic states first announced their intention to impose sanctions on 1 December 2024, targeting individuals accused of “suppressing legitimate protests in Georgia.”
