The Special Penitentiary Service has responded to statements made by Aleko Elisashvili during a court hearing, rejecting his allegations of discrimination as false and defamatory.

According to the Service, Elisashvili is being held in full compliance with Georgian legislation and is freely exercising all rights granted to him.

“The Special Penitentiary Service responds to the false and defamatory statements made by the accused Aleko Elisashvili during a court hearing, which are aimed at discrediting the activities of the Penitentiary Service.

Elisashvili, who is charged with attempting to commit a terrorist act, is being held at Penitentiary Institution No. 6 – the Detention and Special Risk Facility, where detainees are typically placed in single or double cells under constant visual and/or electronic surveillance. According to the agency, Elisashvili’s claims of discriminatory treatment are unfounded.

Elisashvili was transferred to the facility on December 1, 2025. On December 4, he was visited by the Public Defender and the Defender’s Deputy. In their presence, Elisashvili stated that he did not wish to have a television in his cell and preferred to read books instead.

On December 23, 2025, Elisashvili submitted a request to purchase a television. The request was approved in accordance with the law, and the television was delivered from the prison store on the same day,” the statement by the Special Penitentiary Service reads.

The Service also denied claims regarding inadequate hygiene conditions, stating that all detainees, including Elisashvili, are provided with the means to maintain personal hygiene without violating their dignity.

“The claim that he is not provided with necessary hygiene items, including tools for nail trimming, is also false,” the statement said.

The Special Penitentiary Service reiterated that Elisashvili is being held in full compliance with legal standards and called on the public to refrain from spreading false and slanderous information.

A hearing in the case of Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the Strong Georgia – Lelo coalition, was held at the Tbilisi City Court.

During the hearing, Elisashvili stated that he was being held “in a prison where thieves-in-law’ traditions dominate and matters are disputed in the evenings.” He also added, “They gave me a television after a month, but the channels are disgusting.”