Paata Burchuladze: October 4 was one of most important days of my life, it was peaceful, not violent

“October 4 was one of the most important days of my life. I am proud of it, and you are judging me for it?” Paata Burchuladze, leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement, stated in Tbilisi City Court today during the trial of those arrested in connection with the October 4 events.

According to him, “On October 4, 250,000 people voted to return power.”

He accused prosecutors of attempting to portray Georgia’s first public assembly as violent.

“I am being accused of overthrow, violence, calling for violence, and seizing a strategic object. Show me one video where I call for violence or organize it. You can’t, because it does not exist. The overthrow I spoke of was peaceful. On October 4, 250,000 people peacefully expressed their will,” he said.

“More than 60 innocent people were arrested in connection with the fence, while the real issue—the public expression of opinion—was ignored,” he said.

Burchuladze additionally raised concerns about restrictions on his telephone communication with family members.

“What did we do wrong that I can’t call my sister or my daughter?” he asked, referring to formal restrictions cited by the prosecution.

During today’s hearing, the trial resumed with the examination of evidence, including testimony from two witnesses and an expert who conducted a habidoscopic examination.