Paata Burchuladze

Paata Burchuladze, the 70-year-old Georgian opera singer and leader of the ‘Rustaveli Avenue’ activist group, read a declaration in front of tens of thousands of Georgian citizens gathered near Freedom Square. Subsequently he was injured and arrested by the police.

Burchuladze and his group are disputing the legitimacy of the recently elected pro-Putin government. The Caucasus country has been in crisis since the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in last year’s election, which the pro-European Union opposition says was stolen.

According to latest news, Burchuladze remains resolute and intends to continue his political struggle, said his lawyer, Levan Kavelashvili.

Speaking to Interpress News, Kavelashvili said he visited Burchuladze this morning at the Dighomi temporary detention facility. “We were with him at dawn. Mr. Burchuladze feels resolute and proud to be where he is for the love of this country. No charges have been formally presented yet, so we cannot discuss details, but his health is stable. He is exhausted due to injuries sustained during the rally, but he is feeling better and determined to continue the fight,” Kavelashvili stated.