Gia Volski on sanctions: It is unfortunate that in the 21st century, such shameless decisions can still be made – to restrict people’s access to property and financial resources is an archaic, Soviet-era decision, not something that can be called democracy

It is very unfortunate and at the same time alarming that in modern Europe, in the 21st century, such shameless and archaic decisions can be made against specific individuals — this is what the First Vice Speaker of Parliament, Gia Volski, stated in response to the United Kingdom's decision to impose sanctions on four Georgian officials.

The majority MP speaks of double standards and claims that this decision is an injustice.

According to Volski, while there may be differing opinions in the political field, restricting people’s access to financial resources and freedom of movement is an archaic, Soviet-era decision.

“A decision has been made based on the political interests of a specific country. Just recently, we witnessed how the U.S. administration called on the British Prime Minister to resign, and although not outright accusing him of a crime, named him as someone who covered up a very serious offense. Of course, this is part of an ongoing process. Political differences are natural. The dispute between the U.S. and the UK is a good example. But to go as far as imposing sanctions on individuals — especially to restrict their access to property, financial resources, and their freedom of movement — is an archaic, Soviet-style decision. This is not what democracy is supposed to look like.

It is very unfortunate and at the same time alarming that in modern Europe, today, in the 21st century, such shameless and archaic decisions can be made against specific individuals,” Volski said.

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

The sanctions have been imposed on:

– Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili;

– Deputy Interior Minister Shalva Bedoidze;

– Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze;

– Head of the Special Investigation Service Karlo Katsitadze;

The sanctions include asset freezes, director disqualification sanctions, and travel bans.