The U.S. will prohibit the issuing of visas for about 20 people responsible for "undermining democracy in Georgia," including government ministers, parliament members and security officials, the State Department said on Thursday.
The department's statement did not name the people who would be prohibited from receiving U.S. visas.
Hundreds of people have been arrested in Georgia since nightly protests broke out almost two weeks ago against a decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to delay the former Soviet republic's longstanding goal of joining the European Union.
"The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party's ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures," the State Department said.
It added the department was "preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia."
Read next
20:50
U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a major announcement later this week, without offering any details, during a wide-ranging Oval Office exchange with Canadian leader Mark Carney.
21:46
The U.S. government is introducing financial incentives for undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily, aiming to reduce detentions and deportation costs.
07:40
President Trump has unveiled plans to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz prison to detain America’s most dangerous criminals, calling it a return to a time when the country dealt more firmly with lawlessness.
21:25
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
16:59
President Donald Trump called on Vladimir Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv, urging a return to peace talks amid rising casualties.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment