On March 23, 2013, one-year-old Gogita Abashidze died in a clinic. The child’s state of shock was caused by starvation. The Abashidze family of five was in a difficult financial situation but did not fall into the category of socially vulnerable.

Gogita Abashidze was taken to the Batumi Republican Center for Maternal and Child Health, but doctors were unable to save him.

“The baby was born weighing 4 kilos and 200 grams, and after one year, he had the same weight. It should have been 12 kilos,” said the doctor.

Shortly after the news spread, people gathered in Kutaisi, where the Parliament building was located at that time. The Public Defender, Ucha Nanuashvili, released a statement saying that the tragic incident should clearly demonstrate to state institutions the need to reform the social protection system in a way that considers the needs of both children and other vulnerable groups.

The next day, several dozen people gathered in Tbilisi near the Rustaveli metro station. They held posters reading “Child hunger is a disgrace,” “Children’s rights are being violated,” “Every child belongs to everyone,” and “Don’t kill our children for your chairs.”

Later, the protest moved to the Public Broadcaster building, where participants demanded active media coverage of the problems faced by socially vulnerable citizens. Protesters attempted to enter the building but were stopped by security.

The protest ended after about five hours, when some participants met with Levan Gakheladze, the head of the Public Broadcaster’s Board of Trustees. According to those who attended the meeting, they received a promise that talk shows on the Public Broadcaster would soon cover the issues of social vulnerability.

The incident did not lead to significant public response or systemic changes. On April 11, it was announced that the village doctor was found responsible for the death of one-year-old Gogita Abashidze and had his medical license suspended for four months.