The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has stated that the dismissal of Davit Doiashvili from his position as Artistic Director of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theatre is a continuation of repressive actions related to recent protests, and represents censorship of creative freedom by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

GYLA released a statement, which reads:

“The dismissal of Davit Doiashvili from the position of Artistic Director of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theatre is part of Georgian Dream’s ongoing repressions against protest. The regime has normalized the purging of professionals across various fields in an attempt to suppress legitimate protest in the country, intimidate the public, and enforce submission.

GYLA considers this incident to be yet another attempt by Georgian Dream to assert control over the artistic field and to dismiss from positions anyone who does not show party loyalty. This constitutes censorship of creative freedom. GYLA expresses its support and solidarity with Davit Doiashvili and the actors of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theatre.”

For context, the Ministry of Culture stated that Doiashvili’s dismissal followed “repeated warnings” from the agency, claiming that the leadership of the Vaso Abashidze State Professional Theatre of Musical Comedy and Drama failed to fulfill obligations defined by its founding goals and that creative activities at the theater had been suspended for several months.