Part of the students at Tbilisi State University (TSU) are calling for the resignation of Rector Jaba Samushia following the deployment of riot police on the university’s premises on the morning of November 19. The incident, which occurred in the courtyard of the university’s first building, has sparked outrage among students and activist groups.
The May Student Movement issued a statement accusing Samushia of allowing law enforcement to use the university grounds as a pathway to forcibly disperse a nearby protest.
“This morning, the TSU courtyard became a haven for security forces! Violent authorities used the university grounds as a covert route to infiltrate and dismantle the protest site. This was permitted by the university administration and its so-called academic rector, Jaba Samushia,” the statement reads.
The group further alleged that Samushia’s leadership is “formal and fictitious,” claiming he is a servant of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
“Samushia defends his privileges and position granted by the ruling party and acts as their obedient tool,” the statement continued, demanding his immediate resignation.
Another student group, European Bridge, echoed these demands, accusing the university of aligning with oppressive tactics.
“The government has declared war on its people, and educational institutions have become instruments of this regime,” the group stated. They called for a full explanation from the university, saying, “While TSU doors remained closed to students, they were opened to security forces.”
The controversy follows a police operation earlier that morning to clear the area around TSU’s first building, which had been blocked by protesters since November 17. The demonstrators believe that the October 26 elections were forged and demand new elections.
