Strong Georgia-Lelo’s Aleko Elisashvili calls on opposition for truce 

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

The court reviewed Elisashvili’s preventive measure but decided to leave him in prison.

“I’m in a prison where they follow the traditions of thieves, and they have case hearings in the evenings. This is the first time I’ve heard a prosecutor use a thief’s argument, saying I may hide or escape from the country. I said at the first hearing that the first bailiff was a brave man. I insist that your system give him a bonus. If public servants worked so conscientiously, we wouldn’t have such a country. I have no claims against those three bailiffs. They hit me, but I hit them, too. There are only three witnesses. I respect them, and how can I pressure them? Isn’t that noteworthy for you?

Allow me to speak and don’t interrupt me. I am ready to give you my passport, and I will pay bail. I am not going to escape anywhere. The prosecutor voices such thief arguments that I have not heard even from people following thief traditions. I have Mamuka Mdinaradze as a keen supporter. He ordered my taking to prison. You can buy items with a prisoner’s card, and there are items which are banned from being kept in a cell.

Even though I don’t belong there, they imposed more restrictions on me to keep me in a dire situation. They thought I would begin weeping. They gave me a TV set after one month, but the channels are disgusting. I extend my gratitude to all those who continue to march and rally. A truce agreement was concluded in the prison. I wish the opposition to conclude the truce agreement, may they not fight till Easter,” he said.

Aleko Elisashvili told the judge, “I should give you a piece of advice. Retain your image. I understand you have the instruction, but it is very awkward to watch you.” He was removed from the court hall.

Aleko Elisashvili was detained on November 29. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he attempted to set on fire the Tbilisi City Court’s registry building. He was indicted for attempting a terrorist act. The Prosecutor’s Office released video footage. Aleko Elisashvili faces from 10 to 15 years in prison.