GYLA Condemns Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film University's Actions Against Student Protesters
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) has strongly criticized the actions of the Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film University administration, accusing them of violating students' rights to free expression and assembly. According to GYLA, the university's actions reflect a disregard for students' fundamental freedoms.
In a statement released by GYLA, it was noted that the administration had revoked the student status of several students involved in ongoing protests. "On March 10, 2025, it became known that students participating in the ongoing protest at the university had their student status revoked. The university administration cites the decision of the Ethics Commission as the basis for this, claiming that the students violated norms," GYLA said. The students were notified of their suspension by email at 10:04 AM on March 10, with the decision deemed "unsubstantiated and vague."
GYLA also expressed concern over events that took place the day before, March 9, when protest participants were asked to leave the university building under the pretext of disinfection work. "Under the pretext of conducting disinfection work, the university administration asked students to leave the building. The students requested a separate space where they could continue their peaceful protest," the GYLA statement explained. Despite the students' request, the university administration did not offer an alternative space.
Instead, the university involved representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who demanded that the students vacate the building. The following day, nine students were fined 5,000 GEL each by the police. GYLA emphasized that these actions were a violation of students' rights to peacefully assemble and express their views.
GYLA urged higher educational institutions in Georgia to respect students' rights to freedom of expression. "The GYLA has repeatedly called on the administrations of higher educational institutions in Georgia to respect and protect students' freedom of expression," the organization stated. In light of recent events, GYLA condemned the actions of the university administration, stating, "The aforementioned actions of the Theater University administration representatives clearly show that they are not respecting the rights of students, but rather the opposite."
