Appearing on BMGtv, Giga Bokeria, a leader of the Federalists political movement, emphasized the importance of imposing targeted sanctions, not just against top political figures, but against all individuals and entities complicit in what he calls "repression." This includes not only officials but also businesses that publicly supported Georgia’s controversial “Russian law.”
“There are currently up to 60 individuals under various forms of sanctions,” Bokeria said. “We, the Federalists, along with other groups, have long advocated for sanctions against not just top political figures but also every individual involved in repression, starting from police officers who give false testimony to those who fabricate evidence or attack freedom of speech.”
Bokeria stressed that sanctions must be comprehensive and include travel bans and economic restrictions for anyone who signs off on repressive actions, even if some effects aren’t immediate.
“It’s not always about instant impact. Even if the effect isn’t felt right away, it will eventually matter,” he noted.
However, Bokeria warned against placing blind faith in international mechanisms. He reminded viewers that results often depend on unpredictable dynamics, citing examples from Ukraine and Armenia, where authoritarian regimes fell under pressure from mass public protests rather than external sanctions.
When asked specifically whether he supports the sanctioning of businesses, particularly those that publicly supported the so-called “Russian law,” Bokeria was unequivocal:
“Absolutely. That’s why I see this as a clear dividing line. If a business publicly supports this repressive legislation at a time when others refuse to stay silent, it is openly aligning itself with the government’s agenda,” he said.
According to Bokeria, this isn’t a moral appeal or a call for businesses to lead protests. Instead, it’s a matter of accountability for those who actively choose to support laws that threaten Georgia’s democratic trajectory and sovereignty.
“If a businessman, especially one with significant interests tied to the government, comes forward and publicly backs legislation that undermines independence and civil liberties, they become a legitimate target. First and foremost, as citizens, we must hold them accountable alongside our allies in the free world.”
He pointed to the public record as evidence of corporate complicity.
“The best test is whether they made public statements about the ‘Russian law.’ That list exists and is known. We’re not talking about secret intelligence, this information is available to everyone. It clearly shows who chose to be a co-author in this process and who didn’t.”
Bokeria’s comments highlight a growing call within Georgia’s pro-democracy movement for both domestic and international accountability, not only for political repression but also for the financial and institutional enablers behind it.
