MEP Irmhild Boßdorf slams proposed sanctions against Imedi TV as “violation of freedom of speech”

German MEP Irmhild Boßdorf on Sunday voiced strong opposition to the proposed sanctions against the Georgian television station Imedi TV, calling the move “inconceivable” and a clear sign that freedom of speech is being applied selectively by European institutions.

In an interview with Imedi TV, Boßdorf said such proposals were not surprising, arguing that similar approaches have been used in the context of elections.

“The victory of a political party unacceptable to Brussels is branded as democratic backsliding, while the triumph of their preferred candidates is hailed as a celebration of democracy. In Romania, the election results were outright annulled. Free citizens living in a free country should be able to choose for themselves which information sources to follow; yet, in the European Parliament, we see attempts to restrict this very freedom”, the MEP stressed.

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.