The Tbilisi City Court has upheld the detention of the accused opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili. During the recent hearing, the defense petitioned to revoke the measure of restraint or, alternatively, to replace it with bail. The prosecution, in turn, requested that the detention remain in force. Ultimately, the judge granted the prosecution’s motion.
Aleko Elisashvili’s lawyer, Archil Chopikashvili, stated in court that his client is a victim of political persecution and personal revenge.
“Aleko Elisashvili is still being held in a maximum-security facility, although there is no necessity for this. He is being subjected to completely different treatment under the pretext that he might influence witnesses. The witnesses are patrol police officers.
The Speaker of Parliament presented the accused as if he were the world’s foremost terrorist; briefings were dedicated to him, after which he was charged with terrorism. Aleko Elisashvili is a victim of all this because of his opposition activities…
The demonization of Aleko Elisashvili reinforces the perception that he is a victim of political persecution and personal revenge,” stated Archil Chopikashvili.
Elisashvili was detained on November 29, 2025, on charges of attempting to set fire to the chancellery of the Tbilisi City Court. He was charged under Article 323 of the Criminal Code, which covers attempted terrorist acts.
In March 2026, he was charged in a second episode. The prosecution claims that Aleko Elisashvili also attempted to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court building on May 4, 2025.