Georgian Opposition Leader Aleko Elisashvili Sentenced to 13 Years on Terrorism Charge

A Georgian court has sentenced opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili to 13 years in prison after finding him guilty on a charge of attempted terrorism. The verdict, reported by the Interpress news agency on Friday, stems from an incident in November 2025 and comes amid growing concerns from international observers about the state of democracy in the country.

Details of the Conviction

The court ruled that Elisashvili, a founder of the Citizens party, broke into the Tbilisi City Court’s chancellery building by smashing a window. According to the prosecution, he then poured gasoline inside and attempted to ignite it.

Elisashvili pleaded not guilty, framing his actions as a protest against a government crackdown on the opposition. In his final address to the court, he stated, "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. It was not immediately clear if he plans to appeal the sentence.

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Political Context and EU Relations

The sentencing occurs against a backdrop of heightened political friction in Georgia. Government critics and international bodies have raised alarms about increasing authoritarianism, particularly since the start of the war in Ukraine. The ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of suppressing dissent, with several opposition figures already imprisoned.

Elisashvili's party is part of a political coalition that the ruling party is seeking to ban, accusing the opposition of attempting to organize violent coups. These developments are straining Georgia's relationship with the European Union, which the nation aspires to join. The conviction of a prominent opposition figure on terrorism charges is likely to deepen concerns in Brussels regarding democratic backsliding and the rule of law in the aspiring member state.