“Russia has issued an international arrest warrant against Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Lelo – Strong Georgia coalition,” according to a statement released by the opposition party on Tuesday.

The coalition claims that Russian prosecutors have joined what they describe as “an ongoing political persecution campaign” against their leader.

“Putin’s Russia has issued an international warrant against Aleko Elisashvili,” the party stated. “Now political persecution against Elisashvili has begun both inside and outside the country! Russia does not forgive him for defending the Ukrainian people!”

In their official statement, the coalition expressed strong support for their leader and issued warnings against potential domestic actions.

“The Lelo – Strong Georgia political team stands firmly beside our political leader and will not allow anti-constitutional actions against Aleko Elisashvili, which we are confident the frightened ‘Georgian Dream’ will attempt,” reads the statement.