Georgian Opposition Figure Arrested After Arson Attempt at Tbilisi Court

Aleko Elisashvili, a well-known figure in the Georgian opposition, was arrested early Saturday, November 29. He's suspected of trying to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court's administration building.

Elisashvili, previously a lawmaker, heads the Citizens party and is a leader in the Lelo – For Georgia opposition party. His lawyer said the incident was a form of political protest.

Interior Ministry Statement

The Interior Ministry said that Elisashvili, 47, broke into the court building by smashing a window with a hammer. They allege that he then poured gasoline around the inside, including on office things, machines, and papers, before trying to set it on fire.

According to the Ministry, court officers caught Elisashvili before he could start the fire. They claim he fought back, used physical force and a firearm, and that one officer had to go to the hospital due to injuries from the fight. Police video appears to show a handgun, a gasoline bottle, a lighter, broken glass, and Elisashvili with injuries.

Lawyer Claims Political Protest and Abuse

Giorgi Rekhviashvili, Elisashvili’s lawyer, said the politician did it to protest what he sees as an unjust court system. He believes the ruling Georgian Dream party uses the courts to keep control and wrongly convict activists.

The lawyer quoted Elisashvili as saying, “Into the fire with oligarchy, into the fire with the unjust court.” Rekhviashvili said Elisashvili intentionally chose the early hours of Saturday to ensure the building was empty and no one would be hurt. He only regrets missing the few seconds needed to finish the job.

Rekhviashvili said that when he saw Elisashvili at the detention center ten hours after the arrest, the politician has serious facial injuries and was severely beaten. The Ministry said Elisashvili was injured during the arrest because he resisted.

Political Background

The arrest happened a day after many people protested in Tbilisi. They were marking the anniversary of protests against the government's choice to pause talks about joining the EU.

The Georgian Dream party has been putting more pressure on opposition groups lately. Critics state the government has tried to limit protests by making stricter rules for public gatherings and passing laws aimed at media and non-profits. Some say these laws are like Russian laws used to stop people from disagreeing. The ruling party has also asked the Constitutional Court to ban three main opposition groups, including the Lelo coalition.

The Lelo party responded to the incident by calling Elisashvili’s actions “unacceptable and indefensible. At the same time, they framed the act as a selfless act of one man against the regime, pointing out that he has been a victim of injustice and violence connected to the government before.