Detained opposition leader says he should not be listed as political prisoner

Detained Georgian opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili has called on both domestic and international actors not to include his name on any list of political prisoners, saying he wants to facilitate the release of others.

In a letter released from prison on Tuesday, Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party, said he had been held for four months on terrorism-related charges and faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years. 

He dismissed the accusations against him, stating that his imprisonment was the result of “love for Georgia and the fight against injustice,” which he described as “an honour, not a punishment”.

He argued that discussions around prisoner lists risk delaying the release of others, suggesting that authorities may seek to negotiate on a case-by-case basis. “I refuse to have my name included on any list of prisoners to be released,” he wrote, adding that his intention was to support those he considers unjustly detained.

Elisashvili also referred to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and its Moscow Mechanism, saying recent findings and recommendations had increased pressure on the authorities.

According to investigators, Elisashvili was arrested on 29 November 2025 and is accused of attempting to carry out a terrorist act. The prosecution alleges he tried to set fire to a building of Tbilisi City Court, assaulted a court bailiff and resisted arrest, including attempting to seize a weapon.