Georgian Opposition Leader Aleko Elisashvili Sentenced to 13 Years for Terrorism

A Georgian court on Friday sentenced opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili to 13 years in prison after convicting him on charges of attempted terrorism. The verdict, reported by the Interpress news agency, stems from an incident in November 2025 and adds to growing concerns over political freedoms in the country.

Details of the Conviction

The court found Elisashvili, a founder of the Citizens party, guilty of attempting to set fire to a court building in the capital, Tbilisi. According to the ruling, he broke into the Tbilisi City Court’s chancellery building by smashing a window, poured gasoline inside, and then tried to ignite it.

Elisashvili had pleaded not guilty to the charges. He maintained that his actions were a form of protest against a government crackdown on the opposition. In his final address to the court, he defended his motives, stating, "I wanted to spit in the face of this government, to show that they cannot oppress us," as cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Georgian service.

Political Context and Fallout

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The sentencing occurs amid a period of heightened political polarization in Georgia. Government critics argue that the country, once seen as a pro-Western democratic model in the post-Soviet region, has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn. Several other opposition figures are currently imprisoned.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has accused opposition groups of attempting to incite violent coups. Elisashvili’s party is part of a political coalition that the ruling party is seeking to ban. This conviction is likely to deepen the political divide and may be viewed by investors and international observers as a sign of escalating domestic political risk.

Implications for EU Relations

These developments have strained Georgia's relationship with the European Union, which the country officially aspires to join. The EU has previously voiced concerns about democratic backsliding, and high-profile cases against opposition figures could further complicate Georgia's accession path. It was not immediately clear if Elisashvili's legal team would appeal the verdict.