The Megobari Act: U.S. Sanctions Loom for Georgia’s Democracy Saboteurs

The United States is sending a crystal-clear message to the Georgian government: friendship comes with expectations. The MEGOBARI ACT, introduced earlier this year by Congressmen Joe Wilson (Republican) and Steve Cohen (Democrat), is now making its way to the House floor for a final vote next week. If passed, it would authorize targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for undermining Georgia’s democratic institutions.

"Megobari" – A Friendship with Boundaries

“Megobari” means “friend” in Georgian, and the Act carries that name intentionally. It’s a nod to the long-standing relationship between Georgia and the United States—but with a stern warning: democracy is not optional. Strategic partnerships require shared values. And when those values—like free expression, civil society, and the rule of law—are trampled, even the most patient friends start drawing lines.

The legislation tasks the U.S. State Department with compiling a report, within 180 days of enactment, identifying individuals who have contributed to the erosion of democracy in Georgia. That includes acts of corruption, politically motivated violence, intimidation of activists and journalists, or attempts to restrict foreign funding of civil society—a clear reference to the notorious “foreign agent” law currently under consideration in Georgia. The consequences? Visa bans and asset freezes in the United States.

Joe Wilson: A Voice for Georgian Democracy

Congressman Joe Wilson, Co-Chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, has not minced words. In recent weeks, he labeled the current Georgian leadership as an “illegitimate regime” that is actively dismantling democratic structures. Wilson has also warned international institutions and diplomats not to lend legitimacy to what he describes as an authoritarian takeover by the ruling party.

The MEGOBARI ACT, according to Wilson, is not anti-Georgian. Quite the opposite—it is meant to support the Georgian people and hold accountable those in power who are betraying the country’s democratic promise.

Tbilisi’s Response: Crying "Foreign Meddling"

Predictably, the Georgian government isn’t pleased. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his allies have dismissed the bill as an unwarranted intrusion into domestic affairs. In their typical rhetorical sleight of hand, they portray the U.S. initiative as a foreign conspiracy, while simultaneously cozying up to Kremlin-style governance. One might say it’s democracy on paper, but autocracy in practice.

Why Now?

The timing of the MEGOBARI ACT is no coincidence. Since late 2024, tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets in non-stop protests, rain or shine, against government efforts to crack down on civil liberties. The state’s response? Mass arrests, brutal policing, and hefty fines—some reaching 5,000 GEL (approx. €1,700)—for simply participating in demonstrations.

Surveillance has also increased, including the use of AI-powered facial recognition cameras, allegedly made in China, that automatically track and fine protest participants via SMS. Not to mention the blatant intimidation tactics—like police delivering fines to protesters’ homes in the dead of night. Georgia is slowly becoming a textbook case of “managed democracy”—just not the kind Brussels or Washington admire.

What Comes Next?

The final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives is expected next week. With bipartisan backing, the bill is likely to pass. If approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, the U.S. will have a new and powerful tool to pressure Georgian officials—not the population, but those orchestrating repression and anti-democratic laws.

Whether the Megobari Act will have immediate impact remains to be seen. But its very existence sends a powerful signal: Washington is watching. And it is no longer silent.