British Ambassador Gareth Ward was summoned to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 26 following London's decision to impose sanctions on two Georgian television stations.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing international media outlets, that Ward remained at the ministry for approximately one hour but departed without providing a statement to the press. Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili previously announced that the diplomat was called to the ministry to address the sanctions imposed on the "Imedi" and "POSTV" television channels. The minister emphasized that the Georgian side expects a formal explanation regarding the basis for these measures, stating that such actions require "very convincing legal grounds" beyond general discussions on freedom of expression.
The United Kingdom announced the sanctions on February 24, targeting entities allegedly involved in spreading Russian disinformation. According to official statements from London, the sanctions—which include asset freezes, prohibitions on providing financial services for asset management, and the removal of directors—were triggered by claims that "Imedi" and "POSTV" have intentionally disseminated false information regarding Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This development underscores the intensifying international scrutiny of media organizations suspected of aligning with foreign influence campaigns and the resulting diplomatic tensions in the region.
