Here's a good lick for freedom and a thumb in the eye of Vladimir Putin. I just left Tbilisi last week and can attest to Bidzina Ivanishvili's malign influence.
The United States imposed sanctions Friday on Georgia's former prime minister and key powerbroker Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying he is undermining the country's democratic future for Russia's benefit.
Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, holds no official post but is widely believed to pull the strings of power.
The billionaire is honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, which is now facing mass protests over its attempt to pull the Caucasus country from its pro-Western path.
"We strongly condemn Georgian Dream's actions under Ivanishvili's leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
US Sanctions Key Georgian Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili | Barron's
The United States imposed sanctions Friday on Georgia's former prime minister and key powerbroker Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying he is undermining the country's democratic future for Russia's benefit.
Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, holds no official post but is widely believed to pull the strings of power.
The billionaire is honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, which is now facing mass protests over its attempt to pull the Caucasus country from its pro-Western path.
"We strongly condemn Georgian Dream's actions under Ivanishvili's leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
US Sanctions Key Georgian Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili | Barron's
