In response to the violent crackdown on protests against a controversial "foreign agent" law in Georgia, the United States has announced stringent new financial restrictions and travel bans on senior figures within the Georgian government. The US Treasury Department, in a statement issued on Monday, designated two senior law enforcement officers, Chief of the Special Task Department Zviad Kharazishvili and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri, as complicit in "serious human rights abuse."

These officials are being accused of leading security forces that resorted to the use of force against protesters and the abduction of opposition figures during peaceful demonstrations that took place in May. In a significant revelation, Kharazishvili admitted on camera to keeping a "list" of individuals he considered "scoundrels" to be assaulted.

In addition, the US will also impose sanctions on two individuals linked to the far-right Georgian media outlet Alt-Info. This outlet has actively called for attacks on pro-democracy crowds, journalists, and the LGBTQ+ community. The identities of these individuals have not been mentioned in the provided information.

Furthermore, it has been confirmed by the US State Department that visa restrictions will be imposed on over 60 Georgian individuals and their families. This restriction is in response to their involvement in "undermining democracy in Georgia." The specific names on the list of those facing visa restrictions have not been disclosed. However, the US State Department has highlighted that these individuals are government officials who have utilized their power to curtail the fundamental freedoms of the Georgian people.

Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley Smith, emphasized, "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."

In parallel developments, the European Union (EU) has frozen Georgia's application to join the bloc due to concerns regarding a package of legislation that could categorize NGOs and media outlets backed by the West as "foreign agents." This legislation also aims to restrict public displays of same-sex relationships. However, the EU has refrained from imposing its own sanctions at this stage.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgia has not yet responded to the US announcement nor made any comments regarding the imposed restrictions and travel bans.

This move by the US demonstrates its serious stance against human rights abuses and the undermining of democracy. It highlights the international concerns regarding the violent crackdown on protests and the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Georgia.