UK imposes sanctions on senior Georgian judges over corruption allegations

The UK Foreign Office has updated its sanctions list, adding 13 new individuals since April 2. Among those targeted were senior members of Georgia’s judiciary, accused of involvement in corrupt activities.

The latest measures seek to freeze the assets of the sanctioned individuals, along with any companies they own or control. The freeze extends to their bank accounts, properties, and other economic resources.

Mikheil Chinchaladze, chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal, has been sanctioned by the UK due to “reasonable suspicion” of his involvement in corrupt transactions. Another Georgian judge, Levan Murusidze, who also serves on the Tbilisi Court of Appeal and is a member of the High Council of Justice, has similarly been sanctioned on alleged corruption-related grounds.

The financial restrictions come nearly a year after the United States imposed visa sanctions on Chinchaladze and Murusidze in April 2023.

Washington accused them of being involved in “significant corrupt activities.” At the time, Murusidze dismissed the US action, calling it his “personal problem” and vowing to handle it himself.

Both judges were involved in various controversial cases under the previous United National Movement government, and, as critics argue, they are currently affiliated with the ruling Georgian Dream party, reportedly leading a so-called clan in the judiciary to serve the party’s interests.