The United States, specifically the Treasury Department, imposed sanctions on Zviad Kharazishvili, also known as Khareva, the Director of the Special Tasks Department of Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with one of his deputies, Mileri Lagazauri. The sanctions were imposed due to their involvement in serious human rights violations during the violent crackdown on peaceful protests against the Russian Law.
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“Today’s action underscores our concern about the consequences of anti-democratic actions in Georgia and efforts by key individuals to use violence and intimidation to achieve their aims,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to undermine the rights of the Georgian people,” - said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Department for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Based on the statement published by the Department of Treasury, during the protests leading up to the adoption of the Russian law on May 28, the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs used violence against Georgian citizens, political opposition leaders, journalists, and young activists who were peacefully expressing their opinions.
“This violence was overseen by the Chief of the Special Task Department, Zviad Kharazishvili (Kharazishvili), and his Deputy, Mileri Lagazauri (Lagazauri). The violence perpetuated by the Special Task Department included the brutal beatings of many attendees of the non-violent protests against the new foreign influence law, including Georgian citizens and opposition politicians. Kharazishvili is well known for his punitive actions against political opponents and has been personally involved in the physical and verbal abuse of protestors.”
Financial sanctions freeze all property and interests in property of sanctioned individuals located in the United States or owned or controlled by U.S. citizens. Additionally, financial institutions and other entities that transact with or engage in activities with sanctioned individuals may themselves be subject to sanctions.
In April and May, special forces repeatedly raided demonstrations against the Russian law, brutally assaulting peaceful protesters. MPs participating in the protests were also beaten, including Aleksandre Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party, and Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the United National Movement. Civil activist Davit Katsarava was first unlawfully arrested and then seriously injured. As Khabeishvili said, it was Zviad Kharazishvili who personally carried out the targeted punitive action against him. No one has been arrested in connection with these acts of violence, and Kharazishvili’s authority remains intact.
On May 1, Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Ahali party, stated that employees of the private security firm Sarangi had illegally participated in the raid on the rallies. Zviad Kharazishvili owns a 50% share in the company and receives an annual income of more than 30,000 GEL. The remaining 50% is owned by Zviad Chokhonelidze, who served as part of Bidzina Ivanishvili's personal bodyguard during his tenure as prime minister.
On May 28, Khareba announced that it would target and beat “scoundrels” at rallies, and they have a list of those individuals, too.
