Opposition leader Elisashvili’s lawyer claims political persecution amid terrorism attempt case

Giorgi Rekhviashvili, lawyer for Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party, has said that there was no credible evidence supporting claims that Elisashvili had attempted a terrorist act.

Rekhviashvili told reporters on Friday that the ongoing criminal case represented political persecution:

“Once again, it has been confirmed that in the current criminal case there is no reliable or reasonable evidence proving that Aleko Elisashvili attempted a terrorist act. The investigation has reached an impasse and seems to be seeking a way out by creating a new criminal case linked to Elisashvili. This new case, opened in May 2025, concerns a fire at the archive building of the Tbilisi City Court. Yesterday, a sample was collected from Elisashvili as part of this investigation, and authorities are attempting to construct a chain of incidents to suggest his involvement in specific actions. This clearly indicates political persecution and an effort to remove him from active political life,” Rekhviashvili said.

Elisashvili was arrested on 29 November 2025. He faces charges of attempting a terrorist act, including allegedly trying to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court chancellery building, assaulting court officers, resisting arrest, and attempting to seize a weapon. If convicted, he could face 10 to 15 years in prison.