The purpose of the [sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom] is quite unclear — we are asking the question: what outcome does our friendly country seek by issuing these sanctions, and could this possibly be related to specific political goals?! — said Vice Speaker of Parliament [Nino Tsilosani], in response to the United Kingdom sanctioning four Georgian officials.

When asked by journalists what she meant by “political goals,” Tsilosani replied that “the question is rhetorical because it seeks an answer from the one who imposed the sanctions.”

Tsilosani stated that it is unclear who the UK intended to influence with these sanctions.

“Unfortunately, sanctions are often used as a means of political pressure and influence. In this case, it is somewhat unclear who these [sanctions] are aimed at influencing. The Prosecutor General, for example, is tasked with investigating, among other things, the crimes committed under the 'United National Movement' regime, including major violations and crimes related to an attempted coup. If the purpose of these sanctions is to obstruct the work of this person and other law enforcement officials, then, of course, the rationale behind the sanctions becomes quite unclear. In this context, we ask the question — what outcome does our friendly country seek by issuing these sanctions, and could this possibly be related to specific political goals? The question is rhetorical because it seeks an answer from the one who imposed the sanctions,” Tsilosani stated.

For context, the UK government has sanctioned four individuals under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. According to the UK government, this sanctions package targets Georgian officials responsible for serious human rights violations, in accordance with the 2020 Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations.

The sanctions were imposed on Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Shalva Bedoidze, Deputy Director of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze, and Head of the Special Investigative Service Karlo Katsitadze. The sanctions include asset freezes, director disqualification sanctions, and travel bans.