Estonia sanctions 55 Georgian security officials over protest violence, threats
Estonia handed entry bans to a further 55 Georgians connected to the security sector, including judges, for their role in using violence against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200).
The Estonian government has taken a strong stance against the new government in Georgia, its democratic backsliding, and subsequent crackdown on protesters, the media and opposition partners.
All three Baltic states sanctioned security officials and members of the ruling Georgian Dream party last year, moving faster than both the EU and U.S.
"The list includes judges, prosecutors, police officials and police commissioners, platform creators and members of parliament, who are responsible for the prosecution of protesters by the judicial system and judiciary and law enforcement agencies. The listed Georgian individuals have either taken part in violence or threatened it," the minister said in a statement published on Monday.
Tsahkna added: "The violence used in Georgia against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is unacceptable, criminal and in violation of human rights."
In total, Estonia has banned 83 Georgian individuals from entering its territory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the list of newly sanctioned officials here.
Latvia and Lithuania also added new names to their lists, adding 16 and 74 respectively.
--
Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!
Editor: Helen Wright
