Lithuania prohibits government officials from Georgia, including billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, from entering its territory, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis announced on Monday.
These travel restrictions apply to Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and his deputies: Shalva Bedoidze, Joseb Chelidze, Aleksandr Darakhvelidze, and Giorgi Butkhuzi. Additionally, Commander of the Special Forces Zviad Kharazishvili and his deputies, Miler Lagazauri and Mirza Kezevadze, as well as Director of the Patrol Police Department Vadzha Siradze and Head of the Criminal Police Teimuraz Kupatadze, are included.
“People of Georgia, You are Georgian, and therefore, you are European. No one can take that away from you. The journey is long and difficult, but we know you won’t give up, so we won’t give up either,” Landsbergis posted on X.
On Sunday, the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced that they would collectively impose sanctions on those responsible for the violent suppression of anti-government protests in Georgia.
“Opponents of democracy and human rights violators are not welcome in our countries,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated.
Since November 28, Georgia has been experiencing mass protests against the government’s decision to suspend talks regarding EU membership. Police forces used violence against protesters, including the use of water cannons, stun grenades, and tear gas, leading to numerous arrests and regular clashes.
