Georgia: Universities Professors and students Joining protest against Foreign agent bill

In the latest developments of events, many professors and students of various universities are joining the ongoing protest in Tbilisi against the foreign agent bill. Almost the students and professors of 20 universities of Georgia are against the  “Russian law”.

It is to be added that many university campuses are empty. Earlier the students from Tbilisi and other capital-based universities joined the protest. Now the students from Batumi joined the protest today. Similarly, the  students of Shota Rustaveli State University and Maritime Academy went on strike in Batumi in support of the protestor to withdraw the controversial law.

It is the first time the strike has been announced by the Tbilisi State University. Meanwhile  professors and teachers of TSU signed a joint statement in support of the protest. As per the statement “any move towards the passing of Russian law will be dangerous. It also stated that if the law is passed in its present form it will affect Georgia’s journey towards the European Integration. This is not good for the freedom of independent voices of media.”

At the same time, the professors of this university declared openly that we are with our students. These students are demanding the recall of Russian law, Which is passed will stifle independent voices.

Tbilisi has been witnessing large-scale demonstrations since the last month of April. The protesters say this is Russian law meant to undermine the freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand, there is a nationwide outcry against the police crackdown on the protestors by the police and members of the other law enforcement agencies.

It is also worth mentioning that the President of the Georgian once again reiterated that she will use her veto power to stop the implementation of the law. She also warned the law enforcement agencies to use the maximum restraint while dealing with the protestors. Since May 13 according to the official data till now almost twenty-two universities have joined the strike.