Expert links UK sanctions on Imedi, POSTV to ongoing political debates

Georgian expert David Chikhelidze has suggested that punitive measures against broadcasters Imedi and POSTV may be viewed in the context of the political debates recently launched on Imedi TV.

In a social media statement on Saturday, Chikhelidze argued that the timing of the measures coincided with the active phase of televised debates, during which the public was able to observe competing political positions and assess how convincingly different sides defended their arguments.

According to him, some opposition representatives declined to participate in the debates altogether, while others who did take part were, in his assessment, unable to substantiate their positions effectively. 

Chikhelidze suggested that this may have prompted certain political forces to attempt to disrupt the debate process as a means of avoiding political setbacks.

He described televised debates as a powerful instrument for reducing polarization, noting that they provided citizens with an opportunity to hear divergent viewpoints in one space, ask questions, and independently evaluate arguments. Such formats, he said, fostered competition between ideas rather than confrontation between individuals.

Chikhelidze also drew parallels with past events in Georgia’s recent history, recalling the 2007 closure of Imedi TV, which at the time was justified on what he described as questionable grounds. He argued that any contemporary attempts to restrict media platforms risked being perceived in a similar light.

At the same time, he stressed that the current media environment differed from the past, citing greater public engagement, increased critical scrutiny, and a more diverse media landscape. In his view, debates have already yielded positive results by enabling audiences to compare arguments and make informed decisions.