Georgian opposition figure Elisashvili charged with terrorism, lawyer says

Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Lelo - Strong Georgia, has been officially charged, his lawyer Giorgi Rekhviashvili confirmed on Sunday.

Rekhviashvili said the initial investigation against Elisashvili was related to property damage, which carries a three–six year prison sentence. However, the charge has now been upgraded to Article 323, Part 1, which concerns terrorist acts and carries a potential 10–15 year prison term.

“The name of the article is terrorism. It is a requalified charge. Previously, the investigation concerned property damage with a three–six year penalty, but it was upgraded, apparently because that penalty was deemed insufficient. Elisashvili is now labeled a terrorist,” Rekhviashvili told journalists.

Elisashvili denies the charges, arguing that his actions do not constitute a crime but were a form of protest against an unjust court and in solidarity with political prisoners.

“He admits the act but does not consider it criminal. This is about expressing protest,” Rekhviashvili said.

Elisashvili was arrested on November 29. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he allegedly attempted to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court’s chancery building.