Georgian operatic bass Burchuladze accuses Ivanishvili of freezing Rustaveli prize in political retaliation

Renowned operatic bass and civic activist Paata Burchuladze has publicly claimed that his Rustaveli Prize — one of Georgia's most prestigious cultural honors — has been frozen by the ruling party founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Speaking to the media, Burchuladze said he had been receiving the prize since the early 1990s, but that Ivanishvili effectively seized it. “They took away my Rustaveli Prize — or rather, Bidzina Ivanishvili froze it,” he said. “He decided I should pay it back to him, as if the prize belongs to him now.”

Burchuladze described the move as deeply painful, even though he said he had anticipated various forms of retaliation. “I was prepared for anything, but the Rustaveli Prize — that really hit me hard,” he said. “Rustaveli is sacred. Ivanishvili clearly wanted to harm me, and we must admit — he succeeded. He froze the prize and said, in effect, ‘You’re not worthy of it.’”

The world-famous bass noted that he is a recipient of many international awards and honorary citizenships, but that losing this particular Georgian honor felt especially symbolic. “It hurts because this is not just a prize — it’s part of our national identity,” he added, suggesting that the action was politically motivated.

Burchuladze also claimed he has received nine fines, including one on the day of his own birthday celebration in front of the Tbilisi Opera House. “Even that day, they fined me,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, he said he will submit a formal request next week on behalf of the civic movement “Rustaveli Avenue,” asking Tbilisi City Hall to help them secure the Paichadze Stadium for a large-scale national assembly planned for October 4. “We simply won’t fit anywhere else. That’s the largest venue for a national gathering,” he said, concluding with a message of hope: “We must not lose faith.”