Georgian Parliament official suggests potential corruption and “dark agendas” behind Imedi TV restrictions in European Parliament

The recent decision by the European Parliament to restrict Imedi TV from performing its professional duties within the parliament building for a period of one year is driven by the specific interests of certain groups, fueled by potential corruption and “dark agendas”, said on Friday Rati Ionatamishvili, the chair of the human rights and civil integration committee of the Georgian Parliament.

In his remarks, Ionatamishvili noted that the situation clearly illustrates a deep, systemic crisis within the European institution.

He suggested that the move against the broadcaster was entirely political rather than technical, and hinted at potential corruption scandals similar to previous high-profile cases in Brussels.

“Corruption interests are clearly emerging within the European Parliament regarding the sanctioning of Imedi TV. It would not surprise me if we see a continuation of ‘Qatargate’ in relation to this matter very soon”, Ionatamishvili stated.

The lawmaker emphasised that there were no technical or procedural grounds for the restrictions placed on the television station. Instead, he attributed the decision to the long-standing personal and political motives of specific European political factions.

“What other interest could they have in sanctioning Imedi, if not some sort of corrupt schemes and dark assignments? All of this once again demonstrates the crisis within this entire institution, which, unfortunately, has taken on an irreversible character”, Ionatamishvili concluded.