Opposition leader Elisashvili released on bail after court reduces detention

Opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili has been released on bail after Tbilisi City Court replaced his preventive detention with a 4,000 GEL bond.

Judge Levan Gelovani’s decision follows a motion by prosecutors to reduce the severity of his pre-trial measures, citing a diminished risk of further crimes or interference in the case.

Elisashvili, a leader in the Strong Georgia opposition alliance from the Citizens party, was detained on 4 December during a rally in Freedom Square. The charges against him stem from a confrontation with Georgian Dream member Ali Babaev, who accused him of violence. Elisashvili faces up to three years in prison if convicted under Article 156 of the Criminal Code, relating to persecution involving violence.

Speaking in court, his lawyer, Giorgi Rekhviashvili, claimed Elisashvili acted in self-defence after being attacked with an iron rod. “Aleko is the victim. The real perpetrators must be punished,” he said. Pro-government media later aired surveillance footage of the altercation, which Elisashvili’s team says supports his innocence.

Prosecutor Anna Metreveli argued that while risks of witness interference and further offences persist, they are no longer significant enough to justify detention. The prosecution initially sought a bail amount of 5,000 GEL, which the court reduced.

The opposition leader, who alleges political motives behind his arrest, was met by supporters and fellow politicians upon his release. His detention, initially linked to a separate altercation with world champion wrestler Zurab Datunashvili, has fuelled claims of government interference.