Tbilisi Bar Cancels Lecture by Russian Anthropologist

The Russian-language book bar Auditoria, operating in Tbilisi, has canceled a lecture by Russian paleoanthropologist Stanislav Drobyshevsky. The reason is his statements regarding the history of Georgia and Tbilisi. The organizers assessed them as superficial and disrespectful toward the country's history and culture. The information was published by Novaya Gazeta Europe.

After the lecture was announced, users drew attention to an old video. In it, Drobyshevsky claims that "all of Georgia was built during the Soviet period." In the video he also says: "I was in Tbilisi just recently. The whole center was built under Soviet rule. People there are all lounging around. They have a wonderful museum there, the museum of the Soviet occupation of Georgia. All of Georgia was built in Soviet times. Just like that. Before that there were some huts there, but of stone, yes, something like that, with sheep. So, they built everything in Soviet times, 'the Soviet occupation.' And since then everything is collapsing, everything is covered in graffiti and dilapidated. But in return, they are free, a pity..."

Auditoria said it offered the scientist an interview with one of the Russian-language media outlets operating in Georgia so that he could explain his position. The interview did not take place. According to the bar, the topic of the academic lectures was not connected to these disputed statements, but holding the event was considered incompatible with their responsibility before the audience and the public.

The organizers emphasize that they oppose persecution of a person and the disregard of his professional merits because of public statements. According to them, they do not call for a boycott of Drobyshevsky and do not demand similar steps from other organizers. The cancellation is their independent decision, which they made with respect for the country where they live and work.

Auditoria is located on Vera and is aimed at Russian-speaking emigrants and expats. It combines a bookstore, a bar, a cafe and a workspace, where lectures, book club discussions and poetry evenings are regularly held.

Drobyshevsky is an associate professor at the Department of Anthropology of the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University and a candidate of biological sciences. He is the author of numerous popular books on human evolution. According to Ukrainian sources, he has expressed support for the annexation of Crimea.