A protest rally is currently taking place near Tbilisi State University.

The demonstrators oppose the decision to merge Tbilisi State University with Georgian Technical University and call for a meeting with the TSU Rector, Jaba Samushia.

According to the protesters, the merger represents undue state interference in university autonomy, and they insist Jaba Samushia should be held accountable for this development.

“If the state meddles in the university’s affairs and decisions, Jaba Samushia should stand up for it; Saba Samushia should defend me when the state oppresses me,” one protester remarked.

The protesters plan to march towards the Georgian Technical University.

For reference, Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, announced at a briefing that Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University would merge, with the combined institution retaining the name Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.