US Department of State publicly designates four Georgian justices under visa restrictions due to corruption
US Department of State publicly designates four Georgian justices under visa restrictions due to corruption

US Secretary Antony Blinken on Wednesday issued a statement saying “Today, the U.S. Department of State is publicly designating Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Shengelia, and Valerian Tsertsvadze under Section 7031(c) visa restriction authorities, due to their involvement in significant corruption.”

According to the statement, “these individuals abused their positions as court Chairmen and members of Georgia’s High Council of Justice, undermining the rule of law and the public’s faith in Georgia’s judicial system.”

“The United States continues to stand with all Georgians in support of democracy and the rule of law and will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain.  We stand with all judges who have the integrity and courage to act impartially and independently.

Officials designated under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (Div. K, P.L. 117-328) (“Section 7031(c)”) and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States,” reads the statement.

Here is a fact sheet 7031c designations of Georgian officials.