US imposes sanctions on four Georgian senior judges

The US Department of State on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four senior judges in Georgia, described as the heads of a “clan” in the domestic judiciary and affiliated with the current authorities by local non-governmental organizations and the opposition. 

 

“Today the Department of State is publicly designating Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze under Section 7031(c) visa restriction authorities, due to their involvement in significant corruption”, said the State Department.

 

“These individuals abused their positions as court Chairmen and members of Georgia’s High Council of Justice, undermining the rule of law and the public’s faith in Georgia’s judicial system. The United States continues to stand with all Georgians in support of democracy and the rule of law and will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain.  We stand with all judges who have the integrity and courage to act impartially and independently”, it added. 

 

US State Secretary Antony Blinken tweeted following the decision: “today I designated four Georgian former and current officials for significant corruption, making them ineligible to enter the United States. We stand with the government and people of Georgia in their efforts to advance transparency and democratic governance”.