PM condemns UK sanctions against media, pledges protection of press freedom

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described recent sanctions by the United Kingdom targeting Georgian broadcasters as a symptom of a “tragic” state within European bureaucracy, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting media freedom in the country.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Kobakhidze said the measures against broadcasters Imedi and POSTV demonstrated a disregard for both media freedom and fundamental human rights in the UK, a country “historically regarded as a pioneer in human rights.”

“Nothing seems to matter in the UK today, not media freedom, not basic human rights. European bureaucracy, including the British administration, has led to this tragic situation. It is regrettable and shameful,” he said, calling the sanctions “an unserious attempt” to limit the broadcasters’ rights.

Kobakhidze stressed that responsibility for protecting media freedom in Georgia lay with the government. He recalled that prior to 2012, media rights in the country were restricted, but since then, his administration had ensured the protection of these freedoms.

“All necessary measures will be taken to guarantee that Imedi and POSTV fundamental media rights are not violated. Every journalist and every broadcaster will have full opportunity to exercise media freedom and provide information to the public,” he said, stressing that the government assumed full responsibility for safeguarding these rights.