Washington, Dec 13 (UNI) The United States has imposed visa restrictions on about 20 Georgian individuals, including ministers and lawmakers, for "undermining democracy" in the country, the State Department said on Friday.
"The Department of State is announcing additional action today under the visa restriction policy that prohibits visa issuance to those who are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Georgia. Today’s action will affect approximately twenty individuals, including individuals serving as government ministers and in Parliament, law enforcement and security officials, and private citizens," the department said in a statement.
The US condemns acts of violence against protesters, human rights activists, opposition members, and journalists, the statement added.
"We are preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia," the statement read.
A new wave of opposition protests rocked Georgia in the past two weeks after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the Georgian government had decided not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and reject EU financial support until 2028.
Georgian State Security Service said on Tuesday that protests were being coordinated by state actors from abroad in an effort to disrupt the December 14 presidential election.
UNI/SPUTNIK ARN