UK sanctions Georgian officials over violence against protesters and journalists

The UK has imposed sanctions on Georgia’s Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and four senior officials, accusing them of violent attacks on journalists and demonstrators opposing the government.

The British government said the sanctions, coordinated with the US, include a travel ban and asset freeze. Officials sanctioned include:
Vakhtang Gomelauri, Interior Minister

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Deputy Interior Minister

Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Tbilisi Police Director

Zviad Kharazishvili, Head of Special Tasks Department

Miller Lagazauri, Deputy Head of Special Tasks

Two of the officials, Kharazishvili and Lagazauri, were sanctioned by the US in September under the Magnitsky Act.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “The shocking violence against protesters, opposition leaders, and journalists is a terrible attack on democracy and fundamental freedoms.”

The sanctions follow pro-European protests in Georgia, now in their 22nd day, with police accused of assaults on demonstrators and media. The Public Defender’s Office reports 227 cases of ill-treatment and 158 visible injuries among those detained between November 28 and December 16.