Blinken: ‘US firmly continues promoting accountability for those violating democracy and human rights in Georgia’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to holding individuals accountable for actions that undermine democracy and human rights in Georgia, following the imposition of sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In a statement, Blinken emphasized that Ivanishvili’s actions, along with those of Georgian Dream under his leadership, have severely undermined democratic institutions, enabled human rights abuses, and restricted fundamental freedoms in Georgia. He also noted that these actions have obstructed Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future, which the Georgian people overwhelmingly desire and which is constitutionally mandated.

“The result has left Georgia vulnerable to Russia, which continues to occupy more than 20 percent of Georgia’s territory,” Blinken said. He strongly condemned the ongoing violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures under Georgian Dream’s rule.

Blinken reiterated that the United States would continue to promote accountability for those responsible for damaging democracy and human rights in Georgia, signaling Washington’s unwavering support for the country’s aspirations for a democratic and European future.