Kikilashvili and Professor Alexander Graser (Regensburg) – More about the DAAD scholarship

Meanwhile, more information about the latest DAAD scandal has emerged: Goga Kikilashvili is expected to complete his upcoming DAAD research scholarship in Regensburg under Professor Alexander Graser.

A photo from social media documents Kikilaschwili and Professor Graser on a joint outing in a harmonious mood. The caption reads "Discussing perspectives of German-Georgian scientific cooperation," with the hashtag #UniversityofRegensburg.

What German observers might interpret as a positive mentor-student relationship is viewed more critically by many people in Georgia.

Zum Zeitpunkt des Besuches war die Ernennung von Goga Kikilaschwili bereits öffentlich als „nepotistisch" krisiert worden. Graser deckt seinen juristischen Zögling weiterhin.

Kikilashvili is able to present himself as a host on Facebook because he is part of an influential circle and uses this influence deliberately. Existing and unjust privileges are thus perpetuated. What is the Georgian assessment of the Kikilashvili family? Independent lawyer Saba Brachveli put it clearly a few days ago : "Both father and son are deeply corrupt actors."

Honest young lawyers in Georgia often don't have the opportunity to invite German professors and take them on a trip to the Kakheti wine region in eastern Georgia. Many of these honest lawyers are struggling to survive. Graser is said to have been a frequent guest.

Goga Kikilashvili had already been appointed to the High Council of Justice in November 2023, the time of the trip. It was known at the time that this appointment was dubious because it appeared to be a favor to Khvicha Kikilashvili, who, as a constitutional judge, had supported a favorable ruling just days before Goga's appointment. Georgian Court Watch described Kikilashvili's appointment as "a clear example of nepotism in the judiciary."

The University of Regensburg has not yet issued a clear statement on the allegations. An inquiry received an evasive response. Is Professor Graser aware of the machinations he is supporting? Did he fulfill basic due diligence obligations? How could he even recommend Kikilashvili for a scholarship? Did he know about the embezzlement in his CV ? Does the DAAD even have a mechanism for reviewing potential conflicts of interest?

Answers to these questions are still pending.

It's remarkable that the Georgian judiciary imprisons a large portion of the opposition leadership – and that men who remain in key positions in the judiciary continue to receive active support from the DAAD and fellow professors. Brachveli: "The fact that such people are being invited to Europe with German money is politically disastrous."

[Further information on the topic of Kikilashvili and the DAAD will be gratefully received.]