State Department Spokesperson: Ivanishvili sanctioned for undermining democracy and enabling human rights abuses

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, announced that sanctions have been imposed on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream.

In a social media post, Miller stated, “The US is sanctioning Bidzina Grigoris Dze Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream. His actions have enabled human rights abuses and undermined the democratic and European future of the Georgian people for the benefit of the Russian Federation.”

The sanctions, officially announced by the US Treasury Department earlier today, freeze Ivanishvili’s assets within US jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and entities from conducting financial transactions with him. The decision comes amidst growing concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding and its perceived alignment with Kremlin interests under Ivanishvili’s influence.