US imposes visa restrictions on over 60 Georgians
The U.S. State Department imposed new visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgians it said were responsible for undermining democracy as well as their family members.
"These individuals include senior government and municipal figures who abused their power to restrict the fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people, business leaders involved in corrupt practices, persons who have spread disinformation and promoted violent extremism, members of law enforcement who were involved in the beating of protesters, and members of parliament who played a critical role in advancing undemocratic legislation and restricting civil society," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
"We remain concerned about human rights abuses and anti-democratic actions in Georgia, and we will continue to consider additional actions in response. The United States unequivocally supports the rights of Georgians to assemble, speak, and peacefully protest without fear of violence, intimidation, or suppression," he added.
The Biden administration previously imposed visa bans on members of the Georgian Dream party, members of parliament, law enforcement and private citizens over the law and the protests.