**Batumi University of Arts Students Sentenced for Group Violence**
A court in Batumi, Georgia has found five individuals from the city’s State University of Arts guilty of group violence. The incident occurred on December 3, 2024, and involved a physical altercation with Irakli Devadze, a senior official at Batumi City Hall, and his companion.
The convicted individuals include Dean Mamuka Jorbenadze, who was fined GEL 20,000 (approximately USD 7,400), later reduced to GEL 18,000. Four students – Guram Mikeladze, Davit Gvianidze, Giorgi Davitadze, and Anri Kakabadze – received fines of GEL 17,000 each, later reduced to GEL 15,000.
**Background: A Tense Time for Georgia’s Universities**
The incident occurred during a tumultuous period in Georgian politics. In November 2024, the government halted the country’s EU accession bid, sparking widespread protests across universities and cities. The protests, led by students and civil society groups, were aimed at expressing opposition to the government’s decision.
Batumi State University of Arts was one of the main epicenters of these protests. The university had previously been a hotbed of student activism, with many calling for greater autonomy from the government. However, following Tite Aroshidze’s election as rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University in January 2025, tensions between students and the ruling party only escalated.
**Commentary: A Court Ruling Amidst Growing Tensions**
The court’s decision to convict the five individuals from the university comes amidst growing concerns about the government’s efforts to exert control over academic institutions. The case highlights the ongoing tension between students, civil society groups, and the ruling party in Georgia.
In a separate incident on December 3, 2024, protesters clashed with police outside the parliament building, leaving several injured. These events underscore the need for greater dialogue and understanding between the government, students, and civil society organizations to resolve these issues peacefully.
**The Verdict: A Prison Sentence for One of the Convicted**
Anri Kakabadze, one of the convicted individuals, was sentenced to nine months in prison. Considering he has already spent seven months in pretrial detention, Kakabadze is expected to be released within two months. The other four were fined instead of receiving a prison sentence.
As Georgia continues to navigate its complex relationship with Europe and its own internal politics, these incidents serve as a reminder of the need for more inclusive governance and greater respect for students’ rights.
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