British lawmakers have urged for sanctions to be imposed on Ivanishvili.
British lawmakers justify their initiative by citing arrests and violations of the rights of journalists, as well as opposition activists and demonstrators who protested in Tbilisi and other cities against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on Georgia's EU membership.
Furthermore, opposition forces claim that the parliamentary elections on October 26 were completely falsified and are demanding a new vote.
The authorities reject these accusations and refuse to release over 50 activists, including journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. They face the threat of lengthy prison sentences.
British sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, if they target not only him but also his family members, could be the most damaging, given that a significant portion of the businessman's assets is held in offshore accounts that fall under British jurisdiction.
In response to the initiative, the political council of the "Georgian Dream" accused British lawmakers of being influenced by a so-called "deep state," which allegedly has "extended its influence to the United Kingdom."
