Opposition figure questions silence over 4 October events

Georgian opera singer and opposition figure Paata Burchuladze has criticised opposition parties for what he described as their lack of response to events surrounding 4 October, when several opposition figures were arrested during protests for “attempts to overthrow the government”.

“I do not understand the silence of opposition parties around 4 October,” he said, speaking during a court hearing.

Burchuladze argued that the date marked a significant expression of public will, referring to a large-scale assembly where participants backed a declaration calling for change. He said political actors should be more vocal about what he saw as public support for a European path of development.

He is among several individuals detained in connection with the events, facing charges that include calls to overthrow the constitutional order and involvement in group violence - allegations he and his supporters dispute.