The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on Georgian officials, citing "undermining of democracy" as protests continue against the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU membership negotiations.
Protesters have called for new elections, following allegations of electoral fraud in October's parliamentary elections.
The opposition has not recognized this election result, claiming that Georgian Dream committed vote fraud to remain in power.
The pro-European president, Salome Zurabishvili, who is on the side of the protesters, has said that the elections were manipulated with the help of Russia.
Authorities have responded violently to the wave of protests, arresting hundreds of people in the past two weeks.
In response, the US State Department said on December 12 that it would suspend the issuance of visas to those responsible or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.
This decision will affect 20 individuals, "including individuals who serve as ministers or in parliament, law enforcement officials and other individuals".
Since the protests began in late November, violence against the opposition and journalists has escalated, and has been strongly condemned by the United States and the European Union.
Georgian Dream, the party in power since 2012 - founded by billionaire close to Moscow, Bidzina Ivanishvili - has been accused by critics of becoming increasingly authoritarian./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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