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 convicting him on an attempted terrorism charge. The verdict, reported by the Interpress news agency on Friday, stems from an incident last year and highlights the escalating political tensions in the aspiring European Union member state.

The Verdict and Charges

The court found that Elisashvili, a founder of the Citizens party, broke into the Tbilisi City Court’s chancellery building in November 2025. According to the court's findings, he smashed a window, poured gasoline inside the premises, and attempted to set the building on fire.

Elisashvili 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 actions, 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. It was not immediately clear if he would appeal the sentence.

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Political Context and Implications

The sentencing occurs against a backdrop of increasing international concern over Georgia's democratic trajectory. Government critics argue the country has become more authoritarian, a trend that has strained its relationship with the European Union, which it seeks to join.

This case is not an isolated event. Several other opposition figures are currently imprisoned in Georgia. Furthermore, Elisashvili’s party is part of a political coalition that the ruling Georgian Dream party is threatening to ban, accusing the opposition of attempting to organize violent coups. These developments are closely watched by international investors and organizations for signs of political instability and a departure from democratic norms.