US could sanction Georgian politicians for ‘defending democracy’ – POLITICO

As part of an effort to “protect and ensure democracy,” the bill would impose sanctions against government officials and others who “have material responsibility for undermining or undermining democracy , human rights or security in Georgia. It would impose visa bans on politicians and the families of politicians responsible for passing “recent Russian-style foreign agent legislation” targeting NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from the foreigner.

The sanctions would also target Georgian law enforcement and security services, which have suppressed protests against the foreign agents bill. Authorities responded to tens of thousands of people taking to the streets to protest by deploying tear gas and water cannons, and beating and arresting opposition activists and politicians.

During a visit to Georgia last week, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien warned that if Georgia passes the foreign agents bill, “we will see restrictions from the United States” that will affect the finances or travel of these individuals. behind. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the entry into force of the foreign agent legislation “would force us to fundamentally reevaluate our relationship with Georgia.”

The foreign agents bill passed its third reading in Georgia’s parliament last week, but a majority of MPs will need to vote on it one last time in the coming days after the country’s independent president exercised her right to symbolic veto.

The government insists that the law, which would classify NGOs that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad as foreign agents, is necessary to prevent foreign interference. But critics fear Georgian Dream could use it to suppress the media, the opposition and civil society.

Brussels has warned that the law could torpedo Georgia’s hopes of joining the European Union. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December despite warnings of a setback on human rights and a failure to implement key reforms.