Georgian lawmaker criticises UK sanctions on local TV channels

Georgia’s parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia has criticised the British government for imposing sanctions on Georgian media, suggesting that London should focus on its domestic challenges.

In a post on Facebook, he argued that, rather than "interfering with freedom of speech" in other countries, the UK should address issues such as economic stagnation and migration problems, Caliber.Az reports. 

Kirtskhalia also warned that ongoing developments could threaten the very existence of “Great Britain,” a scenario he described as both worrying and regrettable.

The remarks came after the UK government added Georgian television stations Imedi TV and POSTV to its sanctions list. According to the British authorities, both channels are suspected of spreading Russian disinformation in violation of the 2019 Russia Sanctions Regulations.

The UK government explained that the sanctions target entities that deliberately mislead audiences about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and promote content that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. In particular, the channels have reportedly portrayed the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as illegitimate, depicted Ukraine as a “puppet” of the West, and claimed that Ukraine and Western countries are seeking to "destabilise Georgia."

The sanctions include measures such as asset freezes, director disqualifications, and restrictions on trust services.

By Sabina Mammadli