Georgia: stage director Sturua known for his oppositional views dismissed

Robert Sturua, stage director at the Shota Rustaveli State Drama Theatre, has been dismissed from his position. He believes that this was done because of his oppositional views on the authorities.

The statement of the Ministry of Culture and Protection of Monuments of Georgia says that Robert Sturua was dismissed based on the Order No. 1/64 signed by Minister Nikoloz Rurua on August 9.

Mr Sturua has confirmed his resignation in the social network Facebook with one sentence: "I was dismissed".

According to his story, he knew that his dismissal was prepared and had noted earlier that he was persecuted for his political views, the GHN reports.

"I didn't hide my critical attitude to the current Georgian authorities who could not bear my criticism," the "Interfax" quotes the stage director as saying.

A month ago Robert Sturua said that the Georgian people should reject the current country's leadership: "The Georgian people should reject these leaders, like Germans had rejected Hitler. Georgians should repent their sins. The church should take the control; only in this case the country will be saved. But if you divinify the Satan, get ready to inevitable bad consequences."