Member of the ruling Georgian Dream party Irakli Kirtskhalia criticized former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson following Johnson’s comments supporting the United Kingdom’s sanctions against Georgian broadcasters Imedi TV and POSTV.
Speaking to the media, Kirtskhalia said that the UK, a country he says is facing serious internal challenges, was criticizing Georgia for what he described as “speaking the truth.”
“Today, a country that is facing a major existential crisis, that practically has no economic growth, and where the problems of migration and rising crime pose a serious threat, is criticizing Georgia for speaking the truth,” Kirtskhalia said.
Johnson recently commented on the UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on the two Georgian television channels, stating that the move was justified.
The sanctions were introduced by the United Kingdom as part of measures targeting individuals and entities accused of spreading disinformation and supporting narratives aligned with Russian interests.
The decision has sparked political debate in Georgia, with government representatives criticizing the sanctions as unjustified, while some opposition groups and civil society organizations have supported the move, arguing it addresses concerns about media influence and political messaging.
Kirtskhalia’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Georgian government and some Western partners over issues including media freedom, democratic standards, and political developments in the country.
