US imposes travel bans on Georgian officials over law critics say will put EU membership at risk

 

US imposes travel bans on Georgian officials over law critics say will put EU membership at risk

'Foreign influence' law has been compared to Russian legislation used to suppress dissent and has has drawn opposition from West, including US.( )

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on dozens of Georgian officials in response to the enactment of a law that drew weeks of protests by critics who say it will curb media freedom and jeopardise the country's chances of joining the European Union.( )

The move to impose travel bans on the officials, members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, police officers, lawmakers, private citizens and family members came three days after Georgia's parliament speaker signed the measure into law following lawmakers' override of a presidential veto.( )

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller did not identify those targeted, citing visa confidentiality laws, but said "a few dozen" people were cited for anti-democratic activity.( )

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