Tbilisi City Court sentenced Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the Strong Georgia party, to preventive detention. During the court session, Elisashvili denied any connection to Ali Babayev, stating he had last seen him over a decade ago.

“I have no idea which party he belongs to. I recognize his face because of his distinct appearance, but I didn’t even remember his name or surname,” Elisashvili said.

He also claimed he was aware of being under surveillance before his arrest.

“I saw people watching me near my house the day before. Despite this, I attended the event at the Marriott, leaving my phone and wallet with a relative. I knew they were planning to detain me, but I didn’t hide. Then, suddenly, some individuals attacked me, called me a Russian agent, and dragged me away. I’ve never been summoned or informed about any legal violations. This was a premeditated act of aggression,” Elisashvili stated.

Elisashvili was arrested on December 4 near the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an investigation revealed that on December 2, Elisashvili allegedly attacked and verbally and physically assaulted Ali Babayev, Chairman of the National Congress of Azerbaijanis of Georgia, near a pharmacy on Kostava Street in Tbilisi. He has been charged under Article 156, Part 2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to persecution involving violence.