The United Kingdom has officially sanctioned two major Georgian broadcasters accused of acting as mouthpieces for Russian disinformation.
Transparency International UK welcomed the move against Imedi TV and POSTV but immediately warned ministers that this action must only be the opening salvo in a wider crackdown on kleptocracy.
The anti corruption watchdog insists that while silencing propaganda is vital, the real power brokers destabilizing Georgia are still using the British financial system as a safety net.
Targeting the Voices of Disinformation
The Foreign Office announced strict sanctions on Imedi TV and POSTV early this morning.
Officials stated these channels have actively spread narratives supporting Russia’s war efforts and undermining Georgia’s sovereignty. The move comes after months of growing concern regarding democratic backsliding in Tbilisi.
Duncan Hames serves as the Director of Policy at Transparency International UK. He described the sanctions as a long overdue recognition of foreign interference.
“The UK Government’s decision to sanction Georgian news channels Imedi TV and POSTV for spreading propaganda in support of Russia’s war machine is an important and necessary step,” Hames stated.
He noted that these operations have played a direct role in dismantling the democratic institutions that the Georgian people have fought for over decades.
For years, civil society groups have flagged these broadcasters for spreading anti Western conspiracy theories. POSTV in particular is known for its aggressive rhetoric against civil activists and opposition figures.
These sanctions effectively cut the channels off from UK services and businesses. It sends a message that London will no longer tolerate media outlets that act as proxies for hostile states.
Following the Money Trail
While cutting off the propaganda horn is effective, experts argue it does not stop the engine driving it.
Transparency International UK is urging the government to look beyond the cameras and focus on the bank accounts. The organization warns that a small circle of “regime enablers” is steering Georgia toward autocracy while keeping their wealth safe in the West.
“This should only be the beginning,” Hames warned in his statement.
He pointed out a dangerous contradiction. While these figures push Georgia into Vladimir Putin’s sphere of influence, they often enjoy the legal and financial protections offered by the United Kingdom.
The watchdog is calling for three specific actions against these high level enablers:
- Asset Freezes: Immediate locking of property and bank accounts held in Britain.
- Financial Restrictions: Blocking access to UK banking infrastructure and investment services.
- Travel Bans: Ensuring London cannot serve as a personal playground or safe harbor.
London has long been criticized as a “laundromat” for dirty money from the post Soviet sphere. Hames argues that allowing these enablers to use the City of London as an insurance policy undermines the sanctions placed on their propaganda arms.
Georgia’s Drift Away from the West
This diplomatic clash happens against a backdrop of severe political tension in Georgia.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has faced intense criticism for adopting laws that mirror Russian legislation used to crush dissent. The most controversial of these was the “foreign agent” law which sparked massive street protests in Tbilisi.
Critics argue the government is sabotaging the country’s bid for European Union membership.
Instead of aligning with Brussels and Washington, the current leadership has deepened economic and political ties with Moscow. This shift has alarmed Western allies who view Georgia as a strategic partner in the Caucasus.
“Georgia is being steered towards kleptocracy by a small group of regime enablers,” Hames noted.
This group has consolidated power over the judiciary, the election commission, and major media outlets. By controlling the information flow through channels like Imedi TV, they have attempted to paint the West as an instigator of war.
The sanctions on these specific channels aim to disrupt this narrative. It signals that the UK is paying attention to the specific tools used to manipulate Georgian public opinion.
The Role of UK Financial Infrastructure
The connection between Georgian elites and British finance is the key leverage point.
Many oligarchs and political figures in the region favor London for property investment and legal services. Transparency International UK argues that until this access is cut off, the pressure will remain insufficient.
Sanctioning a TV station hurts their voice. Sanctioning their wallets hurts their power.
If the UK government is serious about supporting Georgian democracy, it must close the loopholes that allow autocrats to hide their money in Kensington mansions and British shell companies.
The Foreign Office has not yet confirmed if individual sanctions are next. However, the statement from Transparency International puts heavy pressure on ministers to act swiftly.
“The UK should now act swiftly to target these regime enablers directly… ensuring they cannot use London personally as a safe harbour,” Hames concluded.
The coming days will reveal if the UK is ready to take that harder step. For now, the signal to Tbilisi is clear: the propaganda war has consequences, and the financial war may be just beginning.
