Sanctions on Ivanishvili should be lifted only when he restores constitutional governance, NGO head

Bidzina Ivanishvili will regain access to his assets and sanctions against him will only be lifted when he allows the people to freely choose their government, Irakli Abesadze, founder of the Center for Civil Involvement said on Monday.

Abesadze accused Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, of continuing to generate income illegally.

“We can say that Ivanishvili continues to receive income unlawfully and clearly disproportionate to legal norms. At the same time, he wants access to Western countries, which require legality, fairness, and adherence to constitutional frameworks, while he seeks access to his billions abroad. This is clearly incompatible,” Abesadze said.

He added: “When Ivanishvili stops attacking society in this country, returns to constitutional boundaries, and allows the people to choose their government themselves, then these sanctions should be lifted and he should gain access to his own funds, which would be fair.”

A final decision regarding Ivanishvili’s assets in London is expected to be announced within hours.