Royal Opera House calls for release of Georgian bass singer jailed over democracy protests
Casting director urges Keir Starmer to intervene in case of Paata Burchuladze, 71, jailed for seven years after singing at anti-regime demonstrations
TL;DR
- The Royal Opera House is calling for intervention in the case of Paata Burchuladze, a renowned bass singer jailed in Georgia.
- Burchuladze, 71, was sentenced to seven years for leading protests against the Georgian government, which the Royal Opera House claims is authoritarian and pro-Russian.
- Charges against Burchuladze are described as fabricated, and he is seen as a political prisoner persecuted for his opposition.
- Burchuladze became a symbol for protesters, singing to crowds and calling the government illegitimate.
- The case highlights concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia, with over 100 political prisoners and a suspension of EU accession talks.
- The Royal Opera House and Belgium's national opera have written to their respective prime ministers, urging action.
- The UK Foreign Office states it is monitoring the situation and will raise the importance of detainees' rights.