Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has commented on the sentencing of Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition, in a case involving an attempted terrorist attack.
Papuashvili stated that Elisashvili himself had acknowledged the political motive behind his actions.
“As for the classification of the crime, that is determined by the court. The evidence was presented, and the court handed down the verdict. Elisashvili himself spoke about his motives—how he initially planned to buy an automatic rifle, lie in wait for judges and prosecutors, and shoot them.
Every terrorist says they are fighting injustice. Everyone who kills women and children, who blows up and sets fire to buildings and cars, claims to be fighting for justice. He himself confirmed that he committed the crime for political motives. And now, complaining that this is not a terrorist act is simply ridiculous!” the head of the Georgian parliament declared.
The politician noted that until the European political alliance ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe), of which the Lelo party is a member, provides what he considers an adequate assessment of the Elisashvili case, statements by European officials about Georgia will not be taken seriously.