“Statements made by the Russian operatic bass [meaning Paata Burchuladze, leader of Rustaveli Avenue movement] are no longer amusing,” said MP Archil Gorduladze, Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia.

Gorduladze cautioned against making remarks that could inadvertently breach the law and lead to criminal liability.

“We recall that previously, Paata Burchuladze requested funding from Tbilisi City Hall to rent the Dinamo stadium and organise a rally there. It was the first time an opposition figure approached the current government asking for financial support to hold an anti-government rally and to discuss overthrowing the authorities. The collective United National Movement is in serious trouble; they are bankrupt, and their activities have come to a halt.

The key point is that the United National Movement must not attempt to mask its true image, nor should we accept Gakharia-Lelo in their guise. Otherwise, it does not matter what the Russian operatic bass says. He must not make statements that violate the law or inadvertently commit a crime,” said Gorduladze.