Sanctioned by the UK for Russian disinformation, the pro-government TV channel “Imedi” is discrediting the online publication “Publika” and referring to the outlet as a propaganda tool of the “National Movement.”

“Publika” became the target of an attack for its coverage of a rally held by the parents of an inmate outside Rustavi Penitentiary Facility No. 6. On October 2, a protest was held outside the Rustavi prison by the parents of prisoner Giorgi Davitadze, who accuse the penitentiary system of inhumane treatment toward their son. “Publika” was covering this rally and posting photos from the event on social media.

“Imedi” took “Publika’s” photo report, placed it next to a photo of its own showing only a few people at the rally, and wrote: “How the ‘National Movement’ propaganda tool ‘Publika’ covers the rally” and “What is actually happening.”

This is not the first time that government media, alongside “Georgian Dream” officials, has engaged in discrediting independent media.