Statements from foreign governments or credible international news sources

US Sanctions Georgian Dream Founder Ivanishvili for Undermining Democracy in Favor of Russia

Dec 27, 2024, 04:30 PM

On December 27, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire oligarch and former Prime Minister of Georgia, who is the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and implemented under Executive Order 14024, which targets individuals involved in Russia's malign foreign activities. Ivanishvili is accused of undermining Georgia's democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations for the benefit of Russia. As a result, he has been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals list, freezing his assets and interests within US jurisdiction and prohibiting US citizens and companies from engaging in financial or commercial dealings with him. The sanctions aim to hold Ivanishvili accountable for enabling human rights abuses and attempting to turn Georgia from a democracy into a dictatorship aligned with Russian interests.