Georgian PM denounces UK’s sanctions, calling it “tragic” departure from its legal traditions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday criticised the United Kingdom’s recent imposition of sanctions, stating that applying measures equivalent to criminal penalties without any evidence or factual basis was a tragic development for a country with such a rich legal tradition.

The UK Government on Thursday announced sanctions against Georgia's 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 Investigation Service Karlo Katsitadze. The grounds for the sanctions state that these individuals “are or have been responsible” for human rights violations.

In his remarks over the matter, Kobakhidze emphasised the historical role England played in the development of modern legal principles.

“This is simply an outrageous development. This is the country of John Locke and other great thinkers. Modern legal principles have been historically developed in England, and today, in a country with such traditions, people are being subjected to measures that are essentially equivalent to criminal sanctions without any evidence or facts”, the PM said.

He added that the only response from the Georgian Government was to express deep regret.

“It is truly tragic when you consider England’s history - the history that has led it to where it is today. All we can do is express our regret over such developments”, Kobakhidze concluded.