GTU Responds to Articles Published in the Newspaper “Asaval-Dasavali”

The Georgian Technical University addresses a series of articles published in issue 86/87 of the newspaper “Asaval-Dasavali” (dated November 9, 2026). These articles concern the criminal prosecution of Domenti (Dito) Chubinidze and contain numerous false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory statements regarding the activities of the Georgian Technical University, the decisions made by the institution, and its academic staff.

As stated in the announcement, the Georgian Technical University maintains that these publications exceed the bounds of objective and fair coverage of the issue; they contain “assessments” that damage the dignity and professional reputation of the University, its academic staff, and – notably – its distinguished professors. Statements of this nature, lacking an adequate factual and legal basis, can’t be considered an appropriate way to disseminate information in the public interest.

“As an academic staff member, Domenti (Dito) Chubinidze should be aware that the university fully upheld ethical standards and maintained the confidentiality of information regarding the Ethics Commission’s activities. Specifically, the university strictly preserved the confidentiality of the Ethics Commission’s proceedings, as well as the meeting minutes and related materials. After the information was published in “Asaval-Dasavali”, the public was presented with distorted details; in particular, false information was deliberately disseminated, suggesting that the university had terminated its employment relationship with Dito Chubinidze.

The Georgian Technical University deems it necessary to clarify the factual and legal circumstances of the matter publicly and to provide the public with objective information.

Based on a decision made by the Ethics Commission of the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, the provision stipulated in Subparagraph “d” of Paragraph 2 of Article 46 of the Organic Law of Georgia – the “Labor Code of Georgia” – has been applied to Domenti (Dito) Chubinidze. This entails suspending the employment relationship in instances provided for by Georgian procedural legislation, in connection with proceedings conducted by investigative bodies, the Prosecutor’s Office, or the courts.

This decision was based on the charges brought against Domenti Chubinidze within the framework of criminal proceedings, as well as the application of detention as a preventive measure. Consequently, the university’s decision was dictated by specific legal circumstances and the requirements of applicable legislation. It should be emphasized that this concerns the suspension – not the termination – of the employment relationship. Therefore, equating these two distinct legal concepts in various publications distorts reality and misleads the public.

The Georgian Technical University categorically rejects the allegation that its actions were unlawful, arbitrary, or intended to restrict any individual’s rights. The University acted within its authority, based on relevant legal norms and internal regulatory acts. In reaching its decision, the University adhered to established procedures, ethical standards, and applicable legal requirements.

The Georgian Technical University respects and fully upholds the presumption of innocence, recognizing that initiating criminal prosecution against an individual or bringing charges doesn’t automatically establish guilt. At the same time, this circumstance doesn’t negate the University’s obligation to act in accordance with applicable legislation, its own internal regulations, and the principles of academic ethics.

Georgian Technical University explicitly states that Domenti (Dito) Chubinidze – like any other interested party – has the right to appeal the University’s decision in accordance with the procedures established by law. Assessing the legality and substantiation of the decision within the framework of the appropriate legal procedures – is the prerogative of the competent authorities; it is not a matter to be determined by one-sided assessments or pressure exerted through the media.

The University urges the authors of the article and the editorial board of the newspaper “Asaval-Dasavali” to adhere to the principles of journalistic ethics, objectivity, and accuracy; to refrain from disseminating unverified information or distorted interpretations of facts; and to respect the legal rights and professional reputations of the University, its academic staff, and every individual employee.

The Georgian Technical University warns Domenti (Dito) Chubinidze that should he continue to engage in the deliberate discrediting of the University, the dissemination of inaccurate information – lacking any factual basis – regarding the University and its academic staff, or the publication of statements that damage the University’s professional reputation, the matter will be referred to the Ethics Commission of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Commission will then evaluate whether these actions align with ethical standards and determine the appropriate response,” the statement says.