Listen to the article
UK Sanctions Georgian Media Outlets for Russian Disinformation
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two prominent Georgian pro-government media outlets, Imedi and POSTV, designating them as entities involved in spreading Russian disinformation. The sanctions, announced Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mark a significant diplomatic move targeting media organizations outside Russia itself.
Both outlets now face identical restrictions: asset freezes, trust services sanctions, and director disqualification. These measures effectively freeze any UK-based assets, prohibit British citizens from helping manage trusts for the companies, and bar their executives from running any UK-registered businesses.
In its official sanctions notice, the British government accused the outlets of deliberately spreading misleading information about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Georgian audiences. The UK specifically cited Imedi’s regular dissemination of content portraying Ukraine’s government as “illegitimate” and a “puppet” of Western powers, while also pushing narratives that Ukraine and its Western allies are attempting to destabilize Georgia.
The timing of the sanctions has raised eyebrows due to a recent ownership change at Imedi, one of Georgia’s most influential broadcasters. Until early February, Imedi was owned by Irakli Rukhadze, a US citizen based in Britain, who acquired the channel through Hunnewell Partners between 2018 and 2021. Notably, just weeks before the sanctions were announced, on February 6, Rukhadze sold Imedi to Prime Media Global for the symbolic sum of ₾1,000 (approximately $370).
Prime Media Global, reportedly based in Georgia and fully owned by businessman Ilia Mikelaishvili, now controls 50% of Imedi. The remaining shares were distributed to the outlet’s general director, Maka Lomidze, and her four deputies. According to Rukhadze, Prime Media Global had previously collaborated with Imedi on advertising initiatives.
The rapid pre-sanctions sale has prompted questions about whether Rukhadze received advance warning about the impending measures. Media outlet OC Media has sought comment from both Imedi and the UK Foreign Office regarding this matter.
Imedi swiftly condemned the sanctions, publishing a statement that accused the British government of supporting the formerly ruling United National Movement’s controversial raid of its offices in 2007. “Against this background, British sanctions have no value,” the channel declared. “The only valuable assessment for Imedi TV is the trust of the Georgian people.”
POSTV founder and far-right commentator Shalva Ramishvili also criticized the sanctions on social media, writing: “How the West has fallen: Britain is sanctioning us just because we’re not saying that Ukraine is beating Russia.” He mockingly noted that Britain had sanctioned “Russian politicians, generals, military production, the largest banks and… Imedi and POSTV.”
The Georgian government has yet to issue any official response to the sanctions.
The practical impact of these sanctions remains unclear, though they could have significant financial implications. Two of Georgia’s largest banks, TBC and Bank of Georgia, are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Moreover, in September 2023, the National Bank of Georgia stated that the country fully complies with sanctions imposed by the US, UK, and EU against Russia.
Transparency International Georgia previously reported that Imedi has received substantial funding from Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s richest man and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, since 2018. According to their investigation, Imedi’s debts to companies linked to Ivanishvili had reached $61 million.
The sanctions reflect growing international concern about Russian disinformation efforts beyond its borders, particularly in neighboring countries with significant geopolitical importance like Georgia.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
While I understand the rationale behind these sanctions, I worry they could set a concerning precedent for media censorship, even if the outlets are accused of spreading disinformation. Transparency and due process are important here.
I share your concern. Combating propaganda is crucial, but not at the expense of press freedoms. The specifics will be key in evaluating the legitimacy of these actions.
This seems like a strong response from the UK, targeting foreign media for alleged disinformation. I’m curious to learn more about the specific claims and evidence behind these sanctions.
Yes, the details behind the accusations will be important. Media freedom is crucial, but so is countering foreign influence campaigns.
The UK’s move to sanction these Georgian media outlets over Russian disinformation claims is quite significant. It reflects the growing global effort to address the spread of misleading narratives, especially related to the war in Ukraine.
The UK’s decision to sanction these Georgian media outlets highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts the information landscape in the region and Georgia’s relationship with the West.
Interesting development, though sanctions on media outlets are always a delicate matter. I wonder if this will impact the information flow in Georgia or just drive more people to seek alternative sources.
You raise a fair point. Cracking down on media could backfire and increase distrust if not handled carefully.