UK and US Sanction Georgian Officials Over Protest Crackdown

The coordinated sanctions target senior officials for violent suppression of pro-EU demonstrations and alleged human rights abuses.

The UK and US imposed sanctions on five senior Georgian officials, including Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, for their roles in violently suppressing pro-European protests.
Sanctioned officials face travel bans, asset freezes, and visa restrictions for alleged human rights violations against protesters, journalists, and opposition figures.
The protests erupted after the Georgian government announced a delay in EU accession talks until 2028, a move widely criticized by pro-EU citizens and international observers.
The Georgian government defended its actions, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze promoting Gomelauri and awarding medals to sanctioned officials, calling their actions 'honorable.'
The sanctions come as tensions rise over Georgia's democratic backsliding and increasing alignment with Russia, drawing condemnation from the EU and US.