On September 16, 2024, the United States placed financial sanctions and visa bans on several Georgian officials and media figures who participated in the violent suppression of Georgian protestors.
Zviad Kharazishvili, Georgia’s Chief of the Special Task Department, and Mileri Lagazauri, a deputy, have been placed under financial sanctions. The two government officials were said to have oversaw the security involved in the physical and verbal abuse of protestors. Two media figures have also been punished for their role in amplifying hate speech and threats and spreading misinformation.
The U.S. has also placed visa bans on 60 additional Georgians and respective family members who were found to be responsible for suppressing democracy and violating human rights.
The Georgia protests occurred earlier this year in response to an authoritarian “foreign agent” law that was passed in May. At that time, the U.S. had imposed visa bans for members of the Georgian Dream party and other figures deemed to be undermining democracy in Georgia.
Connect with a Humanitarian Visa Lawyer
Georgian citizens and citizens of other countries who are facing extreme hatred, violence, or oppression, may be eligible for a humanitarian visa or humanitarian parole. We advise such victims to contact a U.S. immigration lawyer immediately for guidance on their specific circumstances.
Reeves Immigration Law Group has been advocating fiercely for immigrant rights for over four decades. Our team of humanitarian visa lawyers will do everything in their power to provide the most successful outcomes to protect immigrants and their loved ones.
Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with a California immigration lawyer.