One of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia – Lelo” coalition, Aleko Elisashvili, has been issued a preventive measure in the form of pre-trial detention.
The decision was made by a judge of the Tbilisi City Court.
Aleko Elisashvili was detained on November 29. According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, he attempted to set fire to the office building of the Tbilisi City Court.
According to the investigation materials, at approximately 04:00, armed with a firearm, ammunition, and items necessary for committing a terrorist act, Alexander Elisashvili, wearing a mask, approached the building of the Tbilisi City Court, used a hammer to break the glass of the external façade of the court’s office and entered the inner area of the court.
“After illegally entering the building, Alexander Elisashvili poured a large amount of flammable liquid in various parts of the interior, including on objects and documents located there, and attempted to start a fire. At that moment, employees of the court bailiff service caught him on the spot. Upon seeing one of the bailiffs, Alexander Elisashvili attacked him and began to beat him.
During the arrest, three bailiff service employees attempted to neutralize Alexander Elisashvili and prevent him from igniting the flammable substance.
The attacker, in turn, tried to draw and use a firearm. Alexander Elisashvili actively resisted the bailiff service employees for about 5–6 minutes, but eventually they were able to finally neutralize and detain him,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.
Aleko Elisashvili has been charged with attempting to commit a terrorist act in the building of the Tbilisi City Court. The charge carries a sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison. The Prosecutor’s Office also released video footage.
