The US State Department is introducing a new policy to restrict the issuance of visas for Georgia, which applies to individuals “involved in undermining democracy in the country” and their family members. This is stated in a statement by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

According to Blinken, the United States took this step due to the fact that over the past few months, the ruling Georgian Dream party has developed and adopted a law on “foreign influence,” which, in particular, “impedes the free expression of views and the work of independent media.”

“In response to these actions, the State Department is implementing a new visa restriction policy for Georgia that targets individuals responsible for or involved in the undermining of Georgia's democracy, as well as their family members. This includes those responsible for the suppression of civil society and freedom of peaceful assembly in Georgia through a campaign of violence or intimidation,” the statement said.

Blinken also noted that he has begun a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia. He expressed hope that the Georgian authorities would review the draft law and take measures to advance the country's “democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”