Now it's clear why Irakli Rukhadze got rid of "Imedi" - I think Georgian business understands what sanctions mean and what it entails to provide funding and advertising to these channels afterward, - this was stated by opposition politician Khatia Dekanoidze as she assessed the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom against the television companies "Imedi" and "POSTV."

According to her, imposing sanctions on the television companies means that every person working there has come under international sanctions.

"Now it's clear why Irakli Rukhadze got rid of 'Imedi.' I think Georgian business understands what sanctions mean and what it entails to provide funding and advertising to these channels afterward. This especially concerns banks and large companies that have international reputations. They could suffer significant reputational and financial damage. Also, the sanctioning of 'Imedi' and 'POSTV' means that all individuals working on these channels are under international sanctions. It will become difficult for them to travel. It will also become difficult for them to purchase various entertainment programs and series. This is the result of these people spreading Russian poison and disinformation in Georgia," - stated Khatia Dekanoidze.

She also commented on the EU's 20th sanctions package, where the issue of sanctioning the Kulevi port was discussed but was blocked by Slovakia and Hungary. According to Dekanoidze, it is "painful to witness" that "[Bidzina Ivanishvili] is putting Georgia's vital infrastructure at risk for his own financial benefit and that of his party - 'Georgian Dream.'"

"Under Bidzina Ivanishvili's rule in Georgia, sanctions circumvention is the financial benefit of 'Georgian Dream.' Russian oil entered the Kulevi port on Bidzina Ivanishvili's orders, with the help of the 'shadow fleet,' which has serious problems worldwide. Bidzina Ivanishvili was in very deep debt to the owner of 'Rosneft' for a long time. In 2012, he bought a complex in central Moscow from Bidzina Ivanishvili and paid him 1 billion before Bidzina Ivanishvili officially entered the elections. Back then [Bidzina Ivanishvili] was claiming that he was getting rid of assets in Russia, which was not true.

It is very painful to realize that [Bidzina Ivanishvili] is putting Georgia's vital infrastructure at risk for his own financial benefit and that of his party - 'Georgian Dream.' It is painful to realize that one of Georgia's important ports - Kulevi - might end up on the sanctions list.

As for Hungary and Slovakia, we know that these countries express their positions in this way. These countries are demanding the restoration of the pipeline from Ukraine, so I think it is very important to understand the responsibility that Bidzina Ivanishvili bears when he puts Georgia's infrastructure under attack," - stated Khatia Dekanoidze.