Freedom for Paata Burchuladze – A Voice the World Must Stand Beside
The Issue
A Legend the World Must Stand Beside
We appeal to all whom this may concern. Please urgently put an end to this unjust misunderstanding and release Paata Burchuladze!
For decades, we have known Paata Burchuladze – a living legend of opera, a true friend, and an exceptional human being. His voice carried Georgia’s spirit to audiences across the world, introducing his homeland’s rich culture through artistry and generosity. Today, that same voice – one that bridged peoples and cultures through art and spirit – is being silenced at home.
For more than 300 days, Paata stood alongside citizens in Georgia’s main public square, as an artist and a citizen who believed that his nation’s destiny should reflect the same truth and integrity he brought to every stage performance.
On October 5, 2025, we – along with countless admirers around the world – were shocked to learn that Paata had been arrested in Tbilisi and now faces up to nine years in prison. Those who know him understand how unthinkable it is to associate his name with violence or wrongdoing.
It is painful to imagine that an artist so deeply admired across the globe – a UN Goodwill Ambassador for charity activities (2006), a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Georgia (2010-2016), a mentor to young musicians, and a symbol of compassion – is now unable to share his voice with the world. He has devoted much of his life to supporting underprivileged children and guiding young talents who went on to become accomplished musicians. Any nation would be proud to call him its own.
Earlier this year, the world’s great theaters and artists celebrated his 70th Anniversary. Yet in his own homeland, he was denied the chance to sing on the stage of the Tbilisi Opera House. Thousands gathered peacefully outside to honor him, however, the next
day, he was fined for singing in front of the Opera House.
What drives a legendary artist to leave comfort behind and stand in the cold for months beside his people? There are moments in life when words are not needed – when truth and love for one’s country speak more loudly than any aria.
A slanderous campaign against Paata and his Charity Foundation Iavnana began in 2017, but despite all the pressure, he has never considered leaving Georgia.
Dear Paata, we hope this voice of solidarity reaches you, even where it is hardest to breathe. Your courage, brilliance, and moral strength continue to inspire countless admirers and friends across the world. Your name – and your art – belong to eternity.
We, your colleagues and friends all around the world, stand with you in solidarity and admiration.
Freedom for Paata Burchuladze – a voice the world must remember.
#FreePaata #StandWithPaata #SingForFreedom
1,090
The Issue
A Legend the World Must Stand Beside
We appeal to all whom this may concern. Please urgently put an end to this unjust misunderstanding and release Paata Burchuladze!
For decades, we have known Paata Burchuladze – a living legend of opera, a true friend, and an exceptional human being. His voice carried Georgia’s spirit to audiences across the world, introducing his homeland’s rich culture through artistry and generosity. Today, that same voice – one that bridged peoples and cultures through art and spirit – is being silenced at home.
For more than 300 days, Paata stood alongside citizens in Georgia’s main public square, as an artist and a citizen who believed that his nation’s destiny should reflect the same truth and integrity he brought to every stage performance.
On October 5, 2025, we – along with countless admirers around the world – were shocked to learn that Paata had been arrested in Tbilisi and now faces up to nine years in prison. Those who know him understand how unthinkable it is to associate his name with violence or wrongdoing.
It is painful to imagine that an artist so deeply admired across the globe – a UN Goodwill Ambassador for charity activities (2006), a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Georgia (2010-2016), a mentor to young musicians, and a symbol of compassion – is now unable to share his voice with the world. He has devoted much of his life to supporting underprivileged children and guiding young talents who went on to become accomplished musicians. Any nation would be proud to call him its own.
Earlier this year, the world’s great theaters and artists celebrated his 70th Anniversary. Yet in his own homeland, he was denied the chance to sing on the stage of the Tbilisi Opera House. Thousands gathered peacefully outside to honor him, however, the next
day, he was fined for singing in front of the Opera House.
What drives a legendary artist to leave comfort behind and stand in the cold for months beside his people? There are moments in life when words are not needed – when truth and love for one’s country speak more loudly than any aria.
A slanderous campaign against Paata and his Charity Foundation Iavnana began in 2017, but despite all the pressure, he has never considered leaving Georgia.
Dear Paata, we hope this voice of solidarity reaches you, even where it is hardest to breathe. Your courage, brilliance, and moral strength continue to inspire countless admirers and friends across the world. Your name – and your art – belong to eternity.
We, your colleagues and friends all around the world, stand with you in solidarity and admiration.
Freedom for Paata Burchuladze – a voice the world must remember.
#FreePaata #StandWithPaata #SingForFreedom
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Petition created on October 20, 2025