Context
The Georgian authorities have been accused of violently cracking down on peaceful demonstrators and journalists, with graphic evidence of abuse shown to the questioner during a meeting at the Council of Europe. Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is seen as suppressing protests similar to Russian tactics, has significant wealth in the UK.
Question
Last month at the Council of Europe, I met several Georgian opposition members who showed me graphic evidence of brutal physical abuse by the Georgian regime during parliamentary elections. Given that the US has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, will the Minister commit to joining our allies and freezing the assets of such a despicable tyrant?
Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We have imposed sanctions on several Georgian officials responsible for violent attacks against journalists and peaceful protesters. While we continue to closely monitor the situation in Georgia, we do not comment on potential sanctions designations as doing so would lessen their impact.
Not addressed: Commitment to freeze assets of Bidzina Ivanishvili
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