MEP Tomasz Froelich slams proposed sanctions against Imedi TV as "double standards"

European Parliament member Tomasz Froelich on Sunday criticised proposals to sanction Georgian television channel Imedi, calling the initiative “double standards” and suggesting it is driven by broader geopolitical decisions made in Brussels.

Speaking to Imedi TV, Froelich reacted to a proposed amendment included in a report on Georgia initiated by fellow MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, which calls for sanctions against Imedi TV.

He argued that the move contradicts repeated European messaging on media freedom and pluralism.

“We constantly speak about media freedom, freedom of expression, and pluralism, yet at the same time there are calls to ban your television channel because you do not follow the editorial line they prefer”, Froelich said.

He added that the accusations against the broadcaster were “completely incomprehensible”, stating that genuine media freedom should include acceptance of outlets with differing viewpoints.

“If you claim to defend media freedom, then you must accept that there are also television channels that are not acceptable to you, which offer different perspectives to viewers”, he said. “I would say you maintain a much better balance than many broadcasters here in Brussels”.

The discussion comes after the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee supported the draft report and its amendments on Georgia. The document is expected to be placed on the agenda of the May 18-21 plenary session.

Juknevičienė has argued that Georgia does not meet candidate country criteria and has called for targeted personal sanctions. Some amendments also propose sanctions against three independent television broadcasters.