Prepared by Messenger Staff
Striking Students at Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University Fined 5,000 GEL Each
Law enforcement officers have fined several students participating in a strike at the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University of Georgia. According to the students, approximately 10 of them received fines.
The students claim they were fined 5,000 GEL each for violating assembly and demonstration regulations.
"They told us that protests are not allowed inside the university. Since we do not obey what the administration asks of us, we were all fined 5,000 GEL. At this stage, they are also writing down everyone's name and surname and issuing fines," said one of the students.
The students also reported that university officials began sanitary works on March 9 without prior warning, while students were still on-site. The administration urged them to relocate their protest to another space, but the students refused, arguing that the alternative was too small. They also demanded another space within the university, which the administration declined to provide.
Freedom Square Political Movement Becomes Independent Party
The Freedom Square political movement has officially transitioned into a political party following its congress on March 8.
Founded in 2024 ahead of the October 26 elections, the movement initially ran under the Strong Georgia coalition. Now, it has announced its shift into an independent political force.
"We were in an electoral coalition, and we are very proud of it," said Levan Tsutkiridze, the party's leader and founder. "Now we are continuing our development independently."
The newly established party has outlined justice, security, and freedom as its key priorities. Party leader Simon Janashia elaborated on these issues, stressing the need for non-discriminatory laws that serve the public good rather than individual power. He also underscored the importance of independent institutions, including police, prosecutors, and the judiciary, in upholding justice.
On security, Janashia emphasized strengthening both national and individual security, particularly through an improved social security system. Regarding freedom, he advocated for a positive understanding of the concept - one that goes beyond deregulation to include the necessary conditions for economic, cultural, and spiritual development.
