The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned four individuals in Georgia for actions undermining fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression. The sanctions target two Georgian government officials and two private citizens involved in violently suppressing peaceful protests and political opposition.
"Today's action underscores our concern about the consequences of anti-democratic actions in Georgia and efforts by key individuals to use violence and intimidation to achieve their aims," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to undermine the rights of the Georgian people."
On May 28, 2024, despite widespread protests, the ruling Georgia Dream party passed a law titled "On Transparency of Foreign Influence." This law requires non-governmental organizations and media outlets receiving over 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to register as entities “pursuing the interest of a foreign power.” According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, this legislation stifles fundamental freedoms, including media freedom.
During these protests, security forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Special Task Department targeted peaceful demonstrators under orders from Chief Zviad Kharazishvili and his Deputy Mileri Lagazauri. Both officials are known for punitive actions against political opponents. As a result, they have been designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 for serious human rights abuses during their tenure.
Konstantine Morgoshia, founder of Alt-Info media company, and Zurab Makharadze, a media personality associated with Alt-Info, were also sanctioned. Morgoshia used his platform to spread disinformation and hate speech while advocating violent attacks against marginalized communities. Makharadze encouraged violence against minority groups online before leading attacks on protestors in front of the Georgian parliament.
As a consequence of these sanctions, all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these individuals are blocked. Transactions involving their assets by U.S. persons or within U.S. territory are prohibited without specific authorization from OFAC.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim not just at punishment but at encouraging positive behavioral changes among designated individuals or entities.
For more information regarding removal from an OFAC list or details on today's designations can be found through OFAC’s official channels.
