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Lawsuit against Kutaisi State University

July 23, 2014
Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Doctor of Social Sciences, Philologist Tinatin Zakarashvili evaluated the competition for the academic positions at Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University as biased, unfair, and tendentious. Zakarashvili, journalist by profession, opposed the administration of the University Social Science Department and blames them in discriminative activities. 

“I wonder why they needed competition, when its results are preliminarily known. The competition was announced for four positions and people, who were already considered to be non-alternative candidates and worked there before competition. They always disliked my candidature because I did not have scientific degree but in fact people without degrees usually delivered lectures at the University. But now, after I took diploma and have gained teaching experience, they still ignore me,” Tinatin Zakarashvili said.

She complained about media-laboratory project, whose idea she presented to the administration of the social science department at the University several years ago and they liked it. 

“University administration even worked on the promotion of this project but later it was blocked either. The problem is that nepotism is very wide-spread in this city and in this university; nobody cares about professionals or PhD diploma holders,” former lecturer said, who claims she is “hostage” of Grigol Kobaliani, head of Social Science Department. Kobaliani is chairperson of the fraction Georgian Dream at the Kutaisi City Council. He denies accusations against him and connects all allegations with his political activities.

“How can I make decision about hiring or dismissing Tiniko Zakarashvili at the University? We had competition, which was led by high-qualified person, who does not work for our university at all. However, I am not surprised with Tiniko Zakarashvili’s behavior who tries to achieve justice through blackmailing. But I am surprised why she believes that I can expel her from the university whilst I recommended her at different accredited university, where she worked during years,” Grigol Kobaliani said.

He thinks it is not simple coincidence that Zakarashvili started actively speaking about unfairness of the competition, which was organized in April 2014, and he connected her statements with the upcoming competition in the university, where Grigol Kobaliani also intends to participate. 

“It is pre-election blackmail and oppression on the commission members. This person unfortunately chose incorrect method to involve me and university administration into the controversy. However, everybody knows me inside and beyond the university and they know Tiniko Zakarashvili too,” Grigol Kobaliani said.

Humanrights.ge contacted the pro-rector of the Tsereteli state university Shalva Kirtadze with regard to the issue. He said that in accordance to the law academic personnel shall be hired for the new positions and then they can recruit new lecturers. “At this stage we have limited working hours in the department, and we cannot invite new people. Besides that, Tinatin Zakarashvili received low points in the competition. It is awkward to speak about partiality of the competition now. Our university has high-qualified personnel as a result of this competition.”

The pro-rector speaks about professionalism and generosity of Grigol Kobaliani. He said his contribution into establishment, promotion and development of journalistic department is huge. 

As for Tinatin Zakarashvili, she intends to appeal to the court. She has filed lawsuit to the Kutaisi City Court and first hearing is scheduled on July 30. 

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