Joint Statement by the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) and the European Performing Arts Students’ Association (EPASA)
The Association Européenne des Conservatoires Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) and the European Performing Arts Students’ Association (EPASA) strongly condemn the human rights violations in Georgia following the parliamentary elections, widely criticised by international observers. We are deeply concerned about documented cases of assaults on professionals in the creative and arts sectors and the detention of a student from the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, an esteemed AEC member.
These individuals have been detained for exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and assembly – rights essential to any democratic society. Such actions constitute a grave violation of human rights and democratic principles.
The AEC and EPASA call on the ruling party and relevant authorities in Georgia to immediately release the detained students and cultural professionals. Targeting individuals for peaceful advocacy is unacceptable and undermines both academic and artistic freedoms. Institutions like the Tbilisi State Conservatoire play a critical role in fostering creativity, dialogue, and cultural development. Repressive actions against students jeopardise these values and strain international collaborations.
Partnerships between European higher education institutions and their Georgian counterparts are built on mutual respect and shared values. These connections are vital for cultural exchange and global understanding. The current actions by the ruling party in Georgia threaten these partnerships and isolate Georgian institutions from the international community.
The AEC and EPASA stand in solidarity with the affected students, teachers, and institutions, and reiterate their commitment to defending human rights and academic freedom. We urge the Georgian Dream party to respect its international obligations, uphold democratic values, and cease repressive measures.
The immediate release of detained students and cultural professionals is a necessary step to rebuild trust and protect the integrity of Georgia’s higher education and cultural sectors. The AEC and EPASA will continue to monitor the situation in Georgia during these challenging times as we reaffirm our commitment to universal human rights.
