Seven imprisoned opposition leaders in Georgia have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, warning of what they describe as an “unprecedented expansion” of Iranian influence through the ruling Georgian Dream party. The letter, sent from prisons in Rustavi, alleges that the party, led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, is strengthening ties with Tehran and undermining Georgia’s democratic institutions.
The politicians claim that Georgian Dream is aligning with Iran, citing a recent “expression of solidarity” by Georgia’s deputy foreign minister at Iran’s embassy following US strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. They also point to a visit by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to Tehran, where he reportedly stood alongside leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah amid chants of “Death to America.” Additionally, they allege that pro-government media outlets, such as Imedi TV—owned by the London-based firm Hunnewell Partners—are serving as propaganda tools for the government.
The letter urges Cooper to impose sanctions not only on Georgian officials but also on media owners, business allies, and family members of Georgian Dream’s leadership who allegedly benefit from ties to both Iran and the UK. Imedi TV has denied being a propaganda outlet, asserting its journalistic independence and commitment to truthful reporting.
The UK government has previously sanctioned some Georgian figures for pro-Russian activity, and the opposition hopes London will take further action. Georgia’s foreign policy has drawn accusations of drifting toward Russian interests, although the ruling party continues to present itself as pro-European and Atlanticist.
For more details, you can read the full article from The Guardian here: Jailed Georgian politicians allege links between ruling party and Iran in letter to UK
