Opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili sentenced to 13 years for attempted terrorist act over November 29 incident

Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the Strong Georgia–Lelo coalition who was detained on charges of attempting a terrorist act, has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment. The verdict was announced a short while ago by Judge Giorgi Gelashvili at Tbilisi City Court.

The case pertains to an incident inside the administrative office of Tbilisi City Court. Specifically, according to the investigation, on November 29, 2025, at approximately 04:00, a masked Alexander Elisashvili arrived at the Tbilisi City Court building armed with a firearm, ammunition, and tools required to carry out a terrorist act. Using a hammer, he smashed the glass facade of the court’s administrative office and gained entry into the building. Once inside, Elisashvili poured a large quantity of flammable liquid over various areas, including office equipment and documentation, and attempted to set a fire.

Aleko Elisashvili was present at today’s court session. However, due to his use of profanities directed at Irakli Kobakhidze and Mamuka Mdinaradze, the judge expelled him from the courtroom, after which the proceedings continued behind closed doors.

Before his expulsion, Aleko Elisashvili delivered his final closing statement.

Elisashvili noted that he had made many mistakes in politics, including his attempt to foster a culture of constructive opposition within parliament.

“What culture?! I regret not hitting Mdinaradze and Papuashvili every single day. I should have spoken to them exactly as they deserved. I know precisely where we are; the decision was so predetermined that Kobakhidze even reminded the judge today, calling Elisashvili a terrorist,” Elisashvili remarked.

He added that his actions were an act of protest.

“I wanted to spit in the face of this government to show they cannot oppress us. Anyone who thinks like a coward should replay the November and December protests, watch them, and then judge me. I am not boasting; I wasn’t born a politician. All of it was suffocating me. I failed; my sword broke in its scabbard. I am perfectly fine in that prison, because I know exactly why I am sitting there: for the love of my country. My conscience is clear. They didn’t find gold bullion in my home, even though I had the opportunity,” Elisashvili declared.

Aleko Elisashvili was indicted under two counts. On November 30, the Prosecutor’s Office filed charges at Tbilisi City Court for an attempted terrorist act under Article 19-323, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. Subsequently, on March 30, he was indicted under Article 323, Part 1 for a ‘second episode of a terrorist act committed on May 4, 2025’.