Detained opposition leader Elisashvili alleges police beating during court hearing

Detained Georgian opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili has told a court that he was beaten by police and injured by handcuffs following his arrest.

Speaking during a hearing on Monday, Elisashvili said he had been kept in handcuffs behind his back for four hours after being detained and that the restraints caused bleeding.

“I had handcuffs behind my back for four hours. Even in the detention facility they saw what condition my hands were in,” he said.

He alleged that he had been beaten by several people and questioned why the incident had not been properly investigated.

“Blood was coming from the handcuffs. There are many other things as well, but where is justice? I was beaten by a group, but the body that was investigating it has been closed,” Elisashvili said.

Elisashvili is the leader of the political party Citizens. He was detained on 29 November 2025.

Prosecutors accuse him of attempting to carry out a terrorist act. According to the investigation, Elisashvili allegedly tried to set fire to the administrative office building of the Tbilisi City Court. Investigators also claim he assaulted a court bailiff and resisted arrest, attempting to seize a weapon during the detention.

If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of between 10 and 15 years.