Rusudan Shelia

The situation in Georgia has reached alarming levels as peaceful protests face increasing violence. The ruling party, "Georgian Dream," is employing brutal tactics to suppress dissent, mirroring methods used by Russian riot police. Reports indicate that police forces are ruthlessly harassing and torturing peaceful citizens, journalists, and activists.

In response to these developments, partner countries are taking a stand. The Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have taken decisive steps by imposing visa sanctions on key figures, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and other high-ranking officials, such as Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, currently on an official visit to Washington, emphasized the importance of broader international support for these sanctions during an interview with Globalnews.ge: 

- The "Georgian Dream" is increasingly and brutally targeting the Georgian people in an effort to break down the peaceful protests, which have been ongoing for ten days. How do you assess the situation in Tbilisi?

- Well, first of all, the violence we’re witnessing in the streets of Georgia is completely unacceptable. I believe the Georgian people have legitimate demands for fair elections and a European future. This is fair, understandable, and right; no one should use force to silence their requests. 

- Given the extreme cruelty that the 'Georgian Dream' is imposing on the Georgian people, what do you believe could be the logical outcome of this situation? From your perspective, Is there any indication that this regime is willing to listen to its own citizens?

- I believe that a lot is in the hands of the people who are protesting. They are sending a strong message and awakening not just their own government but also the West. Well, I can only hope that the logical outcome will be free and fair elections. 

- Lithuania, along with the other Baltic states, has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and several senior officials. How important is it for other Western countries to join the sanctions you have imposed?

- Oh, it is important. I mean, freedom dies in silence, and that’s why I feel a strong urge to speak out and support those who are fighting for their freedom. If we don’t react or acknowledge the individuals committing atrocities in the streets of Tbilisi, this is how freedom dies. Therefore, I’m very glad that the Baltic states have come together to take this first step, and I hope it’s just the beginning. Others will join, and the list will grow longer as new evidence emerges, and we conduct our own assessments. Even we will have additional names, but I’m sure that countries with far more resources can do even more.

- After the Georgian Dream suspended the accession talks with the European Union until 2028, how clear has it become to you which direction this force is leading Georgia?

- For many, the Prime Minister's last statement—that Georgia is no longer going to continue on the European path—was a significant message of awakening. While it shocked many, we had seen this coming. His past actions spoke louder: the foreign agent law, the laws against the LGBTQI community, and the stalled reforms, all indicated that the Georgian Dream is not interested in a European future for Georgia. So, for me, it wasn’t surprising when he made that statement; it was a natural continuation of everything that has happened before.