US Imposes Financial Sanctions on Georgian Officials Amid Concerns Over Media Freedom

The United States has taken a significant step in response to Georgia’s passage of a law that critics claim will curtail media freedom and jeopardize its bid to join the European Union. The US has imposed financial sanctions on dozens of Georgian officials, including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, law enforcement officers, lawmakers, private citizens, and family members.

Sanctions Announced

The sanctions were announced yesterday by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who stated that “a few dozen” individuals have been cited for anti-democratic activity. The move is seen as a first step in a series of penalties unless Georgia changes course.

Background

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had warned about the possibility of such a move after parliament’s initial passage of the bill last month. He also announced that the US is reviewing all its assistance to Georgia, which has totaled $390 million over the past several years.

The law in question requires media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and other nonprofit groups to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. The government claims the law is necessary to stem what it considers harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the country.

Criticism

However, many journalists and activists say its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate before parliamentary elections scheduled for October. Opponents have dubbed the measure “the Russian law” because of its resemblance to measures pushed through by Moscow to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits, and activists.

Concerns Over Georgia’s EU Bid

The sanctions are seen as a significant blow to Georgia’s bid to join the European Union. Critics claim that the law may have been driven by Moscow to thwart Georgia’s chances of further integration with the West.

Key Points:

• The US has imposed financial sanctions on dozens of Georgian officials in response to the country’s passage of a law curbing media freedom.
• The law requires media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and other nonprofit groups to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.
• The US is reviewing all its assistance to Georgia, which has totaled $390 million over the past several years.
• Opponents have dubbed the measure “the Russian law” due to its resemblance to measures pushed through by Moscow.