Former British diplomat Ian Proud slams UK sanctions on Imedi TV as “ridiculous”, “unfair”

Former British diplomat and global crisis management expert Ian Proud on Tuesday expressed shock and strong disapproval over the United Kingdom’s sanctions on the Georgian television channel Imedi TV.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Proud suggested that the likely reason behind the move was Imedi’s editorial stance - specifically, its opposition to Georgia imposing sanctions on Russia and becoming involved in the war.

“I am shocked as to why this happened. There was essentially talk that Imedi TV should be sanctioned because it does not support the policy of Georgia imposing sanctions on Russia and does not support dragging Georgia into the war. From what I observe, I see that Imedi supports independent positions and an independent voice. What the British government has done is ridiculous. Sanctioning Imedi is an absolutely unfair decision”, he said.

He also expressed doubt that the British government or the British Embassy would provide a detailed explanation to the television channel regarding the grounds for the sanctions.

“I doubt that the British government will provide any response to Imedi regarding the sanctions. Everything I have seen on Imedi has been independent information for citizens. I do not see any reason why the UK would impose sanctions. I am sure there will be no explanation provided”, Proud concluded.

The UK government has imposed sanctions against the Georgian television channels Imedi and POSTV. The relevant information was published on the official website of the British government.

Regarding Imedi, one of the reasons cited for the sanctions is the allegation that the television station intentionally disseminated information concerning Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that misled the public and contributed to the destabilisation of Ukraine.

Imedi is also accused of regularly broadcasting content alleging that the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are illegitimate, that Ukraine is a puppet in the hands of the West and a corrupt nation, and that both Ukraine and the West are attempting to destabilise the situation in Georgia.

Imedi TV has addressed the British Embassy with a request to present specific facts that allegedly caused destabilisation in Ukraine.