Georgia’s New Theatre stages ultimatum protest as deadline passes

The deadline set by the Vaso Abashidze New Theatre to release an imprisoned actor and other activists detained during pro-European protests has expired. The theatre had called on authorities to act by January 20, but no progress has been made.

In a statement on Facebook, the theatre announced plans for an upcoming demonstration. “It is January 21 and our ultimatum has expired. We are starting. We are waiting for you all, our loyal audience, our friends, our supporters, each of our citizens on January 23, at 6:00 PM in front of the theatre,” the post read. A protest manifesto is expected to be unveiled during the event.

The ultimatum, first issued on January 12 by the theatre’s artistic director Davit Doiashvili, marked a shift from passive to active protest. Among those detained is Andro Chichinadze, a prominent actor in the New Theatre troupe, who is one of 45 individuals arrested under criminal charges for participating in pro-European demonstrations. The detainees face the possibility of long-term imprisonment.

For nearly two months, Georgia has witnessed sustained pro-European rallies demanding the release of detained protesters and fresh elections. Demonstrators are opposing the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to postpone European Union accession negotiations until 2028 – a move announced on November 28.

Tensions have risen as reports of police violence against demonstrators and journalists continue to surface. Despite numerous allegations, no police officers have been arrested for these actions.