Paata Burchuladze, a defendant in the October 4 case, spoke out during a court session at Rustavi No. 12 Penitentiary, highlighting his unique position among the incarcerated.

“In Rustavi No. 12, among politicians and corrupt officials, I am the only representative of the arts, and I stand out because I face the charges of the most dangerous criminal. Do you really believe that I pose any threat to Georgia?” Burchuladze asked during the hearing.

He also mentioned that he is celebrating his 71st birthday today, noting the unusual circumstances:

“I protest this situation: the guilty sit inside while the innocent remain outside. Hundreds of people could have come, but the guilty sit in parliament? Here we sit proudly. Last year, on my birthday, I celebrated in front of the Opera House on a truck with thousands of people congratulating me. This year, I receive congratulations in court - an unforgettable moment in my career.”

Burchuladze criticized restrictions on communication with his family:

“Today, due to decisions by two prosecutors, I am forbidden from speaking with my spouse, children, or grandchildren by phone. Our faith teaches us to respond to evil with good, and as a Christian, I have decided to respond with kindness, even to those prosecuting me unjustly.”

The charges against Burchuladze, along with co-defendants Murtaaz Zodelava and Irakli Nadira, include:

• Article 19-222(2)(a) of the Criminal Code of Georgia: attempting to seize and block strategically important objects as part of a group.
• Article 225(1): organizing and leading group violence.
• Article 317: inciting violent change to Georgia’s constitutional order and overthrow of state power, punishable by up to nine years in prison.

Other defendants, including Irakli Shaishmelashvili, Lasha Beridze, Irakli Chkhvirkias, Nika Gwencadze, Tornike Mchedlishvili, Guri Zhvania, and Paata Manjgaladze, face similar charges under Articles 19-222 and 225, with potential sentences ranging from six to nine years depending on the offense.

Burchuladze concluded by acknowledging the well-wishers inside and outside the prison:

“Many people are waiting for me here and outside, via television and congratulations. Now I must say goodbye and return to them,” he said.

This statement underscores Burchuladze’s protest against the charges and his continued public engagement even while in detention.