Opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili transferred to hospital

Aleko Elisashvili, a leading member of the opposition party Strong Georgia, has been transferred from the Dusheti pre-trial detention facility to the Vivamedi clinic for medical examination. According to his party representatives, Elisashvili is suffering from severe pain in his rib area, where he previously sustained a fracture during an arrest in April.

Elisashvili was taken to the clinic for an X-ray to assess his condition. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has stated that Elisashvili was arrested under Article 156, Section 2, Paragraph “a” of the Georgian Criminal Code, which concerns persecution with the use of violence. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.

Authorities allege that on December 2, Elisashvili physically assaulted Georgian Dream member Ali Babayev near a pharmacy on Kostava Street in Tbilisi, reportedly due to political differences. However, Elisashvili’s lawyer has refuted these claims, arguing that Babayev provoked the opposition politician. The lawyer further asserts that Elisashvili considers himself innocent and a victim of political persecution.

The lawyer has also accused law enforcement of mistreating Elisashvili during his arrest on December 4, claiming that the politician was beaten in custody.