European Film Academy demands 'immediate release' of Georgian actor Andro Chichinadze

The European Film Academy (EFA) has issued a statement calling on Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release actor Andro Chichinadze, who was arrested earlier this month following his participation in public protests.

Chichinadze, a 28-year-old Georgian film and theatre actor, was one of five individuals detained on 5 November. Authorities charged them with “organizing, leading, participating in, and publicly calling for violent actions” — accusations widely seen as part of a broader governmental crackdown on dissent.

In its statement, the EFA expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of intimidation targeting peaceful protesters and artists in Georgia, noting that the arrests raise serious alarms about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

"The arrest appears to be part of broader government efforts to suppress peaceful protests and intimidate the public," the Academy wrote. "We are especially worried about the mental and physical well-being of Andro Chichinadze."

The EFA urged international cultural and cinematic institutions to join the call for Chichinadze's release, framing the situation as a critical test for artistic freedom and human rights in Georgia.