Opposition leader Elisashvili lawyer: evidence doesn’t support attempted terrorism charge

The lawyer representing Aleko Elisashvili has said that expert findings and witness testimony have failed to establish that a fire allegedly started with two bottles of petrol could have destroyed the Tbilisi City Court complex.

Archil Chopikashvili said this ruled out, in his view, the allegation that the incident amounted to an attempted terrorist attack.

"The main factor in determining whether this was an act of terrorism is whether the offence could have resulted in the destruction of the court building," Chopikashvili said.

"No expert conclusion or specific witness has confirmed, and no actual evidence has been presented, that a fire started with two bottles of petrol in an area of 15 square metres could have resulted in the destruction of the nearly four-hectare court complex," he added.

Chopikashvili accused prosecutors of attempting to present a less serious offence as one of the most serious crimes.

"They are simply trying to portray a minor offence as an extremely serious crime," he said.

Elisashvili was arrested on 29 November 2025 and is accused of attempting to commit a terrorist act.

According to investigators, Elisashvili attempted to set fire to the administrative office building of Tbilisi City Court. He is also accused of assaulting a court security officer, resisting officers during his arrest and attempting to seize a weapon.

If convicted, Elisashvili faces between 10 and 15 years in prison.