Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, following London’s decision to impose sanctions on pro-government television channels TV Imedi and POSTV.
The move comes after the United Kingdom added the two broadcasters to its sanctions list on February 24, mentioning allegations of spreading Russian disinformation. The measures reportedly include asset freezes, trust services sanctions and director disqualification sanctions.
After a 40-minute meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili stated that the Georgian side had requested clarification and evidence supporting the UK’s decision.
Bochorishvili stated that the ambassador did not present any specific documentation or factual material to substantiate the claims.
“We requested that he present the basis for the decision made in London. I have not seen any such evidence or document that would justify this decision,” Bochorishvili told journalists following the meeting. She added that while general assessments were mentioned, no concrete examples were provided to support allegations that Georgia was strengthening Russia and weakening Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“These are allegations we do not share,” she said.
Ambassador Ward did not make any public statement to the media following the meeting.
The sanctions mark a new point of tension in Georgia-UK relations, as London maintains that the measures target entities accused of disseminating pro-Kremlin narratives.
