Germany has imposed entry bans on 13 Georgian citizens over alleged human rights violations, according to the German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer.
In an interview with business news outlet Bm.ge, Fischer confirmed that the individuals had been sanctioned due to their involvement in actions that violated human rights, particularly in response to recent protests in Georgia against halted EU integration.
“Our policy is clear: we do not want human rights violators to enter our country,” said Fischer. “In our assessment, human rights were violated against demonstrators, as well as against the freedoms of assembly and expression.”
The ambassador described the current relationship between Germany and the Georgian government as being “in crisis,” citing a significant deterioration since 2024 when the Georgian Dream authorities announced a delay in EU integration until 2028. While he did not elaborate on specific incidents, Fischer noted that the shift “marked a dramatic change from the warm diplomatic tone” he encountered upon his arrival.
“When I arrived in Georgia, the Prime Minister told me, ‘you are our best friends.’ Many people told me the same thing. But everything has changed since 2024,” he said. “I cannot go into details, but our relationship is in crisis.”
Fischer emphasized that respect for human rights was a core requirement for countries aspiring to join the European Union – a goal the Georgian government has repeatedly reaffirmed. “There is an international standard of human rights. Our duty is to protect them,” he said.
The names of the sanctioned individuals have not been disclosed. Fischer explained that German law prohibited the publication of such information due to personal data protection regulations. “The sanctions are a message to Georgia that we do not agree with human rights violations and we ask you to stop this action,” he added.
