University Rector’s Meeting Sparks Controversy
The meeting of Giorgi Shalutashvili, the rector of Shota Rustaveli State University of Theater and Cinema, with students was met with criticism. This was because of his comments on the recent protests.
Students and former students of the university expressed their dissatisfaction with Shalutashvili’s views on the violence during the protests. They demanded that the university take a clear stance on the matter, including the arrest of cultural representatives.
Shalutashvili spoke to the gathered community, saying he would take action once everything was “absolutely clear” to him. He added that any kind of violence is unacceptable.
However, his words were met with criticism. Paata Tsikolia, a director at the university, questioned Shalutashvili’s statement. He pointed out the unfair treatment of two cultural figures: Natia Bunturi, a ballerina, and Andro Chichinadze, an actor.
Tsikolia asked Shalutashvili to consider the videos that led to their arrests, asking how it was possible for a ballerina to be violent towards a riot policeman.