Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia — Lelo” coalition, who was convicted of an attempted terrorist attack, stated in court that his actions were a form of protest against the authorities. In his final address to the court, the opposition politician stated that his actions were driven by accumulated protest and dissatisfaction with the government’s actions.
“Of course, it was a protest. I wanted to spit in the direction of the authorities. I was choked by protest, and I acted. I did not succeed. My only regret is that I was detained so easily,” he stated.
Elisashvili also stated that he considers his case to be politically motivated, and expressed gratitude to his lawyers for their work, although, according to him, their efforts could not change the situation.
Speaking about the reasons for his actions, the politician recalled his detention during the period when he was a member of parliament, and stated that force was used against him during the detentions. He also accused law enforcement officers of abuse of power.
Elisashvili rejected the accusations that he intended to use weapons or cause harm to anyone. According to him, he did not commit any actions that could pose a threat to human life. He added that he was outraged by how the authorities treated the protesters, and that this was precisely what prompted his actions.
“I wanted to express my protest against the authorities,” Elisashvili said, adding that he does not consider his action to be unworthy.
In his speech, he also stated that he does not feel guilty before his country and considers his conscience to be clear.