Georgian President says UK sanctions on broadcasters ‘amusing’

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili has dismissed the United Kingdom’s decision to sanction Georgian television companies Imedi TV and POSTV, calling the move “amusing” and unlikely to be taken seriously by the public.

Kavelashvili said he could not think of any citizen in Georgia who would view the sanctions seriously.

The President added the measures are part of a broader chain of pressure on Georgia that has continued since the start of the war in Ukraine.

He said claims that the broadcasters were damaging sentiments in Ukraine and creating chaos were difficult to compare to anything, adding that while Georgia meets the decision “with a smile,” the authorities understand the motivations behind it.

Kavelashvili also argued that the majority of the Georgian population understands why the sanctions were imposed and is prepared for such steps, though he stressed that a response is necessary.

He added that the main priority for the sanctioned broadcasters remains their viewers and the Georgian public, noting that Imedi TV is among the country’s leading channels, while POSTV is also gaining ratings.