US imposes new visa restrictions on Georgian officials

The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on Georgian officials, due to <x0-mining democracy” as protests continue against the ruling party's decision, Georgia's dream to suspend membership negotiations in the European Union.

Protesters have called for new elections, following allegations of electoral fraud in the October parliamentary elections.

The opposition has not recognised this election result, claiming Georgia's dream has committed voter fraud to remain in power.

Pro-European President Salome zrabishvili, who is on the side of protesters, has said the elections have been manipulated with Russia's help.

Authorities have responded violently to the wave of protests, arresting hundreds of people in the past two weeks.

In response, the US State Department has said on December 12th it will ban issuing visas for those responsible or collaborators in mini-democratic in Georgia.

This decision will affect 20 individuals, “including individuals serving as ministers or parliamentary ministers, law enforcement officials and other individuals”.

Since the start of protests in late November, violence against opposition and journalists has escalated, and has been strongly condemned by the United States and the European Union.

Georgia's dream, the ruling party from 2012 ʹ founded by the billionaire close to Moscow, the Ivanishvili Bidzina has been accused by critics of becoming more and more authoritarian. / REL/