Georgian PM highlights “adherence to Constitution” amid US sanctions on Gov’t officials, citizens

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday highlighted the “importance of adhering to the country’s Constitution and legislation” following the United States Department of the Treasury's decision to impose visa and financial restrictions on several individuals and entities in Georgia.

Kobakhidze’s comments followed the Department’s statement, issued on Monday, that said it had sanctioned individuals who have “undermined fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression”, in Georgia during public protests against the controversial law on transparency of foreign influence, reintroduced by the party in May before its eventual adoption.

The PM was asked how Georgian banks should respond to the US financial penalties, and noted “everyone must obey the Constitution and legislation of Georgia” in his response.

No one can go beyond the framework of the Constitution of Georgia. The Constitution has its frameworks. We have a Constitution and legislation, and everyone in Georgia must respect it”, he said.

The sanctioned individuals include Zviad Kharazishvili, the Director of Special Tasks Department of the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, and his Deputy, Mileri Lagazauri, as well as Konstantine Morgoshia, the founder of Alt-Info media outlet, and Zurab Makharadze, who is associated with the company.

The individuals were placed under financial sanctions as part of the global Magnitsky List - a roster named after Russian tax lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who died in detention in Russia in 2009.

The US State Department also expanded visa sanctions to include 60 individuals and their family members who it said were involved in “undermining democracy, spreading disinformation, and engaging in corruption within the country”.