Baltic states sanction Georgian Interior Minister over protest violence
Photo: protests in Georgia (Getty Images)
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri, has been sanctioned by Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. This move comes in response to the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia, the local Georgian television channel Pirveli reports.
According to the channel’s source, the sanctions have targeted all individuals involved in dispersing protests, including Gomelauri. The restrictions include a ban on entry to the three Baltic nations.
Protests in Georgia
Mass protests have erupted in Georgia due to public dissatisfaction with the government’s policies. Citizens have expressed outrage over election results, increasing restrictions on political freedoms, pressure on independent media, the country’s departure from a pro-European trajectory, and the growing influence of pro-Russian forces.
Protesters demand the immediate release of political prisoners and the implementation of democratic reforms. However, the government has used force to suppress demonstrations. In response, some protesters have resorted to using Molotov cocktails.
Meanwhile, the European Union has warned the Georgian government of potentially severe consequences for violent actions against its citizens.
