The Interim Fact-Finding Commission on the Activities of the Regime, the Political Leaders of the Regime of 2003-2012 and the Activity of the Incumbent and Former Officials in the Political Unions since 2003 up to today questioned three reporters concerning the violation of the rights of the academic personnel of the Universities of Georgia.

According to Academician Lia Melikishvili, the so-called reforms implemented by Kakha Lomaia initiated the process of levelling the lecterns in Tbilisi State University and other scientific institutions by dismissing high-ranking scientists. These "reforms" suspended scientific activities within the institutions. The scientists and other employees were only informed of their dismissals upon their approach to the cash office.

According to the reporter, the "humiliation by cynicism of indirect violence" was the cause of the death of her colleague, Tamar Kekelidze. This attitude has also resulted in the deaths of many other scientist: "I truly cannot tell the goals they chased, but it becomes evident today by witnessing the decay of science in the country".

Dr. Giorgi Gogolashvili, a PhD linguist, recounted the developments at Tbilisi State University during the previous government. He noted that the university endured several attacks. Gogolashvili described the plan as vicious, linking it to Kakha Lomaia`s promise in an interview to "extirpate Iv. Javakhishvili University," which was subsequently carried out in a barbarian manner.

According to him, the previous government has simultaneously undertaken diversions against the Georgian language, namely, through the annullment of the Official Language Chamber, the State Commission at the President on the Georgian Language, the Subcommittee of the Parliament on the Georgian Language, and the mandatory Georgian language courses in the Universities, as well as the wind-up of all related TV programs and shows and the press releases, reduction of the Georgian language hours in schools, and later, nearly replacement of the Georgian language with English in the elementary grades; furthermore, the plan included the development of the Draft Law on the annulment of the Georgian as the academic language in universities.

As per his assessment, during a briefing in the Education Ministry in 2005, he inquired about the reason behind the negative attitude towards the Georgian language. One of the officials of the Ministry, Gigi Tevzadze, responded that English should be declared an official language.

According to the reporter, the Draft Law on Higher Education introduced by the then authorities was principally unacceptable for the universities: "The Draft Law proposed the abolition of state funding for the University, rendering the institution financially destitute. Consequently, the scientific sector would effectively cease to exist, and the term "scientist" was no longer be referenced in the project. Furthermore, the Draft stipulated an age qualification of 65 years".

The State University sustained the attacks in three directions: structure, the scientific, and the academic sectors.

"One ordinance was sufficient to annul up to 100 laboratories, which dealt a substantial blow to the scientists, resulting in the unemployment of 1,500 research workers. Furthermore, only six faculties out of the 22 remaining were operational", - he observed.

He recalled the competition held at the University and the developments of July 3, 2006. As he observed, the academic staff of the University strived to suspend the competition to avert the imminent destruction of the institution: "We, the Board members, approached Gia Khubua with the request for his leave. He never expected such a demand and all the turmoil started after this moment. In response to the situation, the police were summoned. Goga Grigalashvili, the then-Chief of Police, was present. We were forcibly removed from the cabinet of G. Khubua and escorted to the auditorium, where we made a declaration expressing our determination to continue protesting until Gia Khubua resigned from the University. Subsequently, we witnessed an extraordinary turn of events. As you are aware, the auditorium is quite spacious. We were confined within its walls by locking the door leading to the corridor, leaving us with only three remaining stairs to reach the street. We, the political spectrum, were compelled to spend the night in the auditorium without access to water or sustenance. We were forced to utilise ropes to transport water from a lower level. When Gia Khubua became aware of this situation, he responded by stating, “You are doomed by listening to politicians; they are politically engaged".

On the second day, I was compelled to address the live broadcast and announce that we would be concluding our rally. This was followed by our summons to the prosecution office. Five individuals were subjected to the initiation of a criminal case, but the protests effectively dissuaded them, and the case was subsequently reclassified as a case of riotous behaviour. Regrettably, the proceedings concluded with the holding of the competitions, and we were all dismissed".

Academician, Professor Avtandil Arabuli, provided an account of the violation of the rights of the academic personnel. As he noted, the previous government was resorting to the tactics that, when they were attacking the institution, they were attacking its leader; thus, they targeted three institutions - the Apostolic Church, Tbilisi State University, and the Academy of Sciences.

According to the reporter, the University was confronted by a force that was "unaware of education or science but was merely executing instructions". As underlined, the previous government had a forced modus operandi, violating laws, including the laws adopted by themselves, and the Draft Law on Higher Education was draconian, posing a threat to the education system.

As observed, the reform had a profound impact on Tbilisi State University, particularly since the faculties were merged. Consequently, only six out of the original 22 faculties were operational, leading to a loss of control over university processes. Furthermore, the lecture halls and cabinets, which held historical significance, were demolished. Additionally, laboratories were closed, and all equipment was left unattended in the university yard for two years, resulting in vandalism.

Furthermore, the opponents of the then government were exposed to constant intimidation, menace, blackmail and persecution.

According to the Chair of the Commission, Tea Tsulukiani, the Commission, within the period of June 9-July 5, shall convene only two sittings per week.

On July 5th, the Commission will complete its mandate and cease to exist. However, the records of the public meetings and the final conclusion will be released. During this period, our meetings will only be held twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays in the morning hours, as we have no luxury of daily operation due to the final stage of the development of the conclusion paper.