Lithuania sanctions 17 more Georgian politicians and officials
On 15 December Lithuania, in coordination with Estonia, has expanded the list of sanctioned persons to 17 more Georgian politicians and officials who are cracking down on demonstrators in Georgia.
"In cooperation with Estonia, we have expanded the list of Georgian politicians banned from entering Lithuania. We have added 17 more people, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. We will not tolerate violence and repression of peaceful protesters, journalists, and the opposition. The time has come for joint action at EU level", said Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, as well as other officials, politicians and business representatives on the list have directly contributed to the gross and systematic violations of human rights and the suppression of fundamental freedoms in Georgia. They have already been added to national sanctions lists by Ukraine and, as of today, by Estonia.
Previously, ten persons leading the Ministry of Interior of Georgia and Bidzina Ivanishvili were banned from entering Lithuania.
Mass protests by the Georgian public across the country erupted following the parliamentary elections on of 26 October, which were not recognised as free and fair by the opposition parties, the President of the country and non-governmental organisations. Public protests have been repressed with excessive force, including water cannons, tear gas and other special measures. Social activists, media representatives and citizens who came to express their views were detained using brutal methods.
This behaviour by the authorities, in flagrant violation of universally recognised human rights and freedoms, has provoked outrage in Western countries and has been strongly condemned. Following the example of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, the European Union is considering adding a number of the Georgian officials to the EU sanctions lists as well.
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