Georgian ruling party condemns UK sanctions on Imedi, POSTV, accuses opposition of foreign allegiance

Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia ruling party has criticized the Government of the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions on Georgian broadcasters TV Imedi and POSTV, calling the move “an unprecedented attack on free media.”

In a statement on Friday, the party’s Political Council claimed the sanctions’ real purpose was to offer opportunities for the opposition.

“The true motive behind the attack on free Georgian media is to give the discredited and radical opposition a minimal chance at influence. Foreign adversaries see a clear division: on one side, Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia, serving the Georgian people and enjoying their trust, and on the other, a radical opposition loyal to external actors, whose actions are guided entirely by foreign patrons.”

The statement described the opposition as “homeless in principle,” relying on foreign directives rather than the will of Georgian citizens.

“It is clear that these people do not value homeland, statehood, or sovereignty. Their only motivation is to await instructions from foreign patrons, whom they obey unconditionally.”

The party also highlighted that the opposition, amid UK sanctions, attempted to present themselves as a political alternative to the ruling party in the eyes of Washington, claiming that the party Lelo for Georgia would join this coalition.

“The agent opposition is offering its ‘services’ to the United States despite the administration’s declared policy of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. This raises additional concerns and questions for our government.”

The statement referenced the US government’s closure of “revolution-funding organizations,” including USAID and NED, under the Donald Trump administration, noting that US political leaders had repeatedly emphasized a non-interventionist stance in foreign politics.

The party concluded by denouncing the opposition’s reaction to the sanctions as both “tragic and comical,” arguing that the opposition saw Georgia’s fate as dependent on foreign powers rather than domestic support:

“The public witnessed that, upon receiving support from foreign patrons through the sanctions on Imedi and POSTV, the radical opposition immediately began spreading absurd claims, as if the government and free media were collapsing. Their reliance on foreign instructions illustrates the values they hold and their dependence on external actors.”

The ruling party pledged that “no sanctions can prevent national media from reporting the truth” or “serving the Georgian public.”