Opposition figure welcomes Lithuanian sanctions, calls for total confrontation with GD

TBILISI, DFWatch–A leading opposition figure has welcomed Lithuania’s decision to impose visa bans on ten additional Georgian officials, calling it a step toward isolating the country’s ruling elite from the “civilized world.”

Lithuania’s diplomatic move brings the total number of Georgian citizens facing Lithuanian entry restrictions to 112.

Grigol Gegelia the opposition party Lelo – Strong Georgia, claimed that not only senior officials, but also judges, law enforcement officers, anti-corruption staff, and pro-government media figures should prepare to be blacklisted by Western governments.

He portrayed this as part of a necessary reckoning, describing the Georgian Dream (GD) government as a criminal regime.

Gegelia further accused the GD government of carrying out “a Russian foreign intelligence operation,” and called on “every patriotic Georgian” to oppose the ruling party using all available means.

The statement reflects an intensifying radicalism within segments of the Georgian opposition, which have seen many of their leaders being imprisoned lately.

The polarized atmosphere come against the backdrop of long-running tensions between the GD government and the European Union. While Western officials have pointed to concerns over democratic backsliding, the ruling party insists it is defending national sovereignty and resisting undue foreign interference.