Helsinki Commission calls for sanctions against Georgian Dream officials amid crackdown on opposition and activists

US Helsinki Commission Chairman, Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), has called for immediate sanctions against key officials in the Georgian Dream government following a brutal crackdown on activists, protestors, and opposition members in Georgia. The statement follows the arrest of innocent individuals, including peaceful demonstrators, in their homes and workplaces.

Wilson criticized the Georgian government, stating that it had abandoned any pretense of democracy and was now employing dictatorial tactics reminiscent of the Kremlin. He condemned the government’s use of force against peaceful citizens, warning that the situation could escalate further without swift international intervention.

“The de-facto Georgian government has shed all pretense of democracy and has now started arresting innocent activists and peaceful members of the opposition in their homes and places of work. Make no mistake: Georgian Dream is using Kremlin-style dictatorial tactics,” Wilson said in his statement.

Wilson called on the US government to act by announcing personal sanctions against the Mayor of Tbilisi, the Minister of the Interior, and other officials involved in orchestrating the violent crackdown. He also urged European allies to impose similar sanctions to demonstrate a united front in defending human rights and democratic values in Georgia.

The crackdown has sparked widespread concern about the future of democracy in Georgia, with many fearing the government’s increasing authoritarianism. Wilson emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the international community to act immediately to prevent further violence and protect the rights of the Georgian people.