Actor Andro Chichinadze, who was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of participating in organized group violence, has announced that he is leaving the Vaso Abashidze Theater.
The statement was made in a letter authored by Chichinadze and published on social media by his lawyer, Tornike Migineishvili.
In the letter, Chichinadze expresses solidarity with fellow actors who have recently left the theater in protest.
“I am also leaving the Vaso Abashidze Theater. With this symbolic text, I want to express solidarity and support for those people who themselves are an example of solidarity and friendship,” he wrote.
Addressing the authorities, Chichinadze added:
“You are fighting in a very wrong and difficult field, ‘friends.’ If we look at history, we will easily understand that artists, by their civic position, were and remain the most dangerous people for you and anyone in power. It will always be so. Before you and after you, the truth will remain the same, and the word will always be preserved to tell this truth. Therefore, my advice is — fighting people with the right values is unprofitable.”
The announcement follows a wave of resignations by several actors from the Vaso Abashidze New Theater. Their decision came after the removal of a banner featuring Chichinadze from the theater’s facade.
The banner, which bore the inscription “Freedom to the prisoners of the system,” had been placed on the building in support of the actor.
The banner was removed in connection with filming by Rustavi 2.
Chichinadze was arrested on charges of participating in organized group violence. Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.
Further reactions from the theater’s management and relevant authorities have not yet been publicly announced.
Image: IPN
Related story: 9 actors leave the New Theater after banner of imprisoned actor Andro Chichinadze removed
