On October 18, 2023, the Law School of Free University of Tbilisi (FreeUni), in cooperation with Samtskhe - Javakheti State University, conducted a public lecture in Akhaltsikhe. The topic of the lecture, led by Nona Kalandadze (invited lecturer at Samtskhe-Javakheti State University) and Vasil Zhizhiashvili (invited lecturer at FreeUni), was the conflict between freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

Ms. Kalandadze discussed the history and essence of the right to freedom of expression and spoke about its importance in a democratic society, while Mr. Zhizhiashvili talked about the legal and moral aspects of freedom of religion and the conflict, and balance between these two rights.

Around 100 students from Samtskhe - Javakheti State University attended the public lecture, engaging in active debates over the standards of determining what can be considered an insult to religious feelings and when the protection of freedom of expression should prevail.

The lecture is part of the series of activities implemented by the FreeUni in the framework of its grant from the USAID Rule of Law Program to enhance the quality of legal education in Tbilisi and regions through student-oriented practical training, research, and collaboration.

Within the project, FreeUni partners with Samtskhe-Javakheti and Batumi State Universities, involving their students in research, drafting of amicus curae briefs for the Constitutional Court, and engaging them in activities such as public lectures, moot court competitions, and summer schools.