Georgian Technical University Responds to Another Defamatory Claim

Georgian Technical University responds to yet another defamatory and absolutely false piece of information circulating online, which claims that: “Investigative authorities are actively probing the embezzlement of 60 million allocated for the renovation of Georgian Technical University. The budget funds that were supposed to be used for the full rehabilitation of ‘GTU’ allegedly ended up in the pockets of specific individuals”.

The information disseminated by the online outlet PUBLICIST.GE does not correspond to reality, is not confirmed by any official source, and constitutes a gross violation of the business reputation of Georgian Technical University.

“Georgian Technical University responds to false, damaging, and unfounded information disseminated online via one of the platforms, which alleges that ‘investigative authorities are examining the embezzlement of 60 million GEL allocated for the renovation of Georgian Technical University, and that budgetary funds have ended up in the pockets of specific individuals”.

This information is false, groundless, entirely disconnected from reality, and constitutes a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of Georgian Technical University as a Legal Entity of Public Law.

The factual circumstances are as follows: Georgian Technical University received budgetary funding for infrastructure development in the amount of GEL 1,125,000 in 2022 and GEL 3,286,000 in 2023 not GEL 60 million, as stated in the disinformation material. These funds were used in full, strictly for their intended purpose, and in full compliance with the law. The University possesses all relevant financial, accounting, and administrative documentation, which has been submitted to the appropriate state authorities as required by law.

We emphasize that: no state or investigative authority has raised any claims against Georgian Technical University; no documentation indicating signs of a possible crime has been forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office by the relevant agencies; and no investigation is ongoing or has been initiated into the alleged embezzlement of funds allocated for the University’s renovation.

The dissemination of false information violates the legislation currently in force in Georgia, including:

1. Article 18 of the Civil Code of Georgia, which protects a person’s (including a legal entity’s) dignity, honor, and business reputation, and provides for liability in cases of defamation and the dissemination of false information;

2. The Law of Georgia “On Freedom of Speech and Expression,” in particular: Article 9, which obliges the disseminator of information to verify facts, ensure accuracy and impartiality, and prohibits the dissemination of false information; Article 13, which establishes liability in cases where false information harms a person’s reputation.

Georgian Technical University declares that the dissemination of information of this nature contains elements of defamation and constitutes an act punishable by law.

Furthermore, the University demands that the individual and the media outlet responsible for spreading this information provide all official documents, sources, and evidence on which the information was based; otherwise, they must immediately retract the false information and issue a public correction.

Georgian Technical University reserves the right to use all legal mechanisms provided by law to protect its business reputation. The University calls on media outlets and the public to act in accordance with the requirements of responsibility, professional ethics, and the law, and to refrain from disseminating unverified, damaging information.