Allegations have surfaced from two Georgian opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) claiming that the United States has initiated the revocation of visas belonging to members of the ruling Georgian Dream party who supported the foreign agent law, along with their families.
Eurooptimists MP Khatia Dekanoidze, addressing reporters on Monday, stated that family members of specific Georgian Dream MPs have purportedly been informed about the cancellation of their US visas. She further warned of impending sanctions targeting those involved in or organizing violence.
Tina Bokuchava, chair of the opposition United National Movement (UNM)’s parliamentary faction, also asserted that she had received information regarding Georgian Dream members receiving notifications of visa invalidation. Bokuchava emphasized the importance of individual sanctions by EU member states, noting discussions within the Estonian Parliament on the matter.
Moreover, 44 of Estonia’s 101 MPs submitted a draft statement condemning what they term as “anti-democratic measures” by the Georgian government and the ruling party, which they argue undermine Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Responding to these claims, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller clarified that while Washington had not announced specific sanctions against Georgian officials, they would not hesitate to impose them if deemed necessary. Miller reiterated US concerns over the foreign agent law’s impact on Georgian democracy and civil society, highlighting an ongoing review of the bilateral relationship.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rebuffed reports of impending sanctions, dismissing them as baseless. He denied allegations of visa cancellations for ruling party members and their families as false.
The US previously announced plans to impose travel and financial sanctions against individuals associated with the foreign agent law and their families, with Assistant Secretary of State Jim O’Brien warning of further action if democratic norms were further undermined or if violence against peaceful protesters continued.
The reintroduction of the foreign agent law by the Georgian Dream party in May sparked widespread protests, with Western partners condemning the legislation as anti-European and anti-democratic. Despite international pressure, members of the Georgian Dream majority have remained steadfast, with Prime Minister Kobakhidze accusing the West of attempting to coerce Georgia with sanctions.
The foreign agent law in Georgia designates civil society or media organizations receiving at least 20% of their funding from foreign sources as entities serving the interests of a foreign power. Such organizations face monitoring by the Ministry of Justice, including mandatory submission of internal communications and documents, with non-compliance subject to hefty fines.