The ruling Georgian Dream party, which recently adopted an unpopular law on foreign agents, may have relations with the Russian authorities and intelligence services. Revealing such connections among the Georgian elite would serve to undermine claims that it is defending the country's sovereignty and independence. This statement was made by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a source in Washington.
The day before, representatives of the US Congress proposed a bill according to which they would liberalize the visa regime and increase financial support for Georgia if the authorities abandon anti-Western rhetoric. If the law on foreign agents is finally adopted, sanctions will be imposed against Georgian politicians and officials for harming democracy, human rights and security. We are talking about a visa ban, including for family members, and an asset freeze. In addition, sanctions may affect Georgian law enforcement agencies that participated in the dispersal of protesters.
Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Kakhiani responded to possible sanctions: “The adoption of the law on foreign agents is the protection of the sovereignty of Georgia, therefore this issue is not subject to blackmail from the United States, and the bill is not subject to withdrawal.”
