Students of Ilia State University are on strike from today, May 13, and say they will not participate in the educational process until the government withdraws the “Russian law,” which threatens the prospect of the country’s European integration.
Students of Ilia State University say that their choice is to walk “through Ilia’s way to Europe”, and they call on the ruling party to refuse to accept the “Russian law.”
“Today, the ruling party is trying to adopt a “Russian law” that is harmful to the country and thereby put an end to the European future of Georgia. The use of force on the part of the government, “Georgian Dream” high-ranking officials and their personal special groups, raiding and intimidation of the civilians involved in the protest are Russian signatures, and thus they oppose the European course chosen by the majority of the population of Georgia.
In Georgia, where the Russian influence is strengthened, everything loses its value. Among them, education. Accordingly, from Monday we declare disobedience and start a strike. We will not take part in any educational process and we will actively engage in protest movements”, reads in the statement issued by the students.
They call on other students to join their protest and thank the lecturers who supported their decision.
Some of the professors and teachers of Ilauni issued a statement yesterday, May 11, stating that in case of a strike, they will join their students.
“We believe that Ilia State University is always on the right side of history. With the adoption of the Russian law, the future of us and our students is harmed, and the values that we teach them lose their meaning. When we and our students are being beaten mercilessly in the street – we need to unite and resist with united forces. Therefore, we declare with full responsibility that if the students of Iliauni decide to stop the educational process and declare disobedience, we join them!”, – reads the statement released by the lecturers of Ilia State University.
Students of Tbilisi State University have already issued a statement about the strike.
“Thousands of students stand behind us, who are not going to give up the country’s freedom and its European future”, they say.
It is known that students from other universities are also joining the strike. Among them are students of Shota Rustaveli University of Batumi, Free University, Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA), Alte University and National University of Georgia.
