Former British diplomat Ian Proud slams Western media pressure and “cynical” sanctions on Georgian broadcasters

Ian Proud, a former British diplomat and expert in global crisis management, has sharply criticised Western and British media coverage of Georgia, while labeling recent UK sanctions against the Georgian television company Imedi as “cynical” and a blow to free speech.

Speaking on the current geopolitical climate, Proud asserted that Georgia is facing intense pressure and propaganda from Western institutions, particularly within the UK media landscape.

Proud addressed the prevailing Western narrative regarding Georgia’s foreign policy, specifically its stance on regional conflicts. He argued that the international community often misinterprets Tbilisi's pragmatic positioning.

“There is often an impression created that because Georgia does not impose sanctions on Russia, it is somehow acting as a mouthpiece for the Kremlin”, Proud stated. “This is complete nonsense”.

The veteran diplomat leveled his strongest criticism at the British Government’s decision to target Georgian media, specifically referencing the broadcaster Imedi. He warned that such actions damage bilateral ties and expose a double standard in Western foreign policy.

“Regarding Imedi, these sanctions imposed by the UK are a very cynical move”, Proud noted. “While I do not believe they will have any real practical impact, they nonetheless send a very negative signal regarding the future of political relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom”.

Proud highlighted what he views as a fundamental hypocrisy in lecturing foreign nations on democratic principles while simultaneously penalising media organisations for their editorial stances.

“We teach other countries about values and freedom of speech, and then we turn around and impose sanctions on the media companies of those countries whose policies we happen to disagree with”, he said. “This is effectively a restriction of free speech. It is an outright contradiction. I believe such steps are unwise, cynical, and ultimately counterproductive”.