Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna signed a directive adding 19 more high-ranking Georgian officials to Estonia’s sanctions list. The entry ban includes, among others, Georgia’s Minister of Justice, Prosecutor General, members of parliament, prosecutors, judges, and a former police chief.

"These individuals are directly or indirectly responsible for the persecution of peaceful protesters, journalists, and opposition representatives," said Foreign Minister Tsahkna. "The violence used by Georgian authorities, politicized court proceedings, and disproportionate punishments against protesters and opposition politicians are in contradiction with the core values of democracy and the conditions associated with Georgia’s EU candidate status."

"Estonia will continue to support Georgia’s civil society, independent media, and European integration by standing up for the rights and dignity of the Georgian people," Tsahkna emphasized.

Among those sanctioned are: Nino Galustashvili (judge), Giorgi Gvarakidze (Prosecutor General), Aluda Ghudushauri (member of parliament), Ilia Injia (member of parliament), Irakli Kadagishvili (member of parliament), Ani Khubejashvili (prosecutor), Mariam Lashkhi (member of parliament), Guram Macharashvili (member of parliament), Mari Meshveliani (prosecutor), Viktor Metreveli (judge), Jvebe Nachkebia (judge), Nino Ilmashvili (judge), Paata Salia (Minister of Justice), Tengiz Sharmanashvili (member of parliament), Irakli Shvangiradze (judge), Sozar Subari (member of parliament), Aleksandre Tabatadze (member of parliament), Sulkhan Tamazashvili (Chairman of the Government of Adjara) and Natia Tatiashvili (prosecutor).

In total, Estonia has now imposed an entry ban on 102 Georgian officials.