Georgian Opposition Politician Aleko Elisashvili Gets 13-Year Prison Sentence 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 Interpress news agency reported. The verdict against the founder of the Citizens party stems from an incident last year and comes amid heightened scrutiny of Georgia's political climate and democratic institutions.

Details of the Conviction

The Tbilisi City Court found that in November 2025, Elisashvili broke into the court’s chancellery building by smashing a window, poured gasoline inside, and attempted to set the building on fire. Elisashvili pleaded not guilty, arguing his actions were a protest against a government crackdown on the opposition.

In his final address to the court, Elisashvili defended his motives. "I wanted to spit in the face of this government, to show that they cannot oppress us," he stated, according to 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 political polarization in Georgia. Government critics contend that the country, once considered a pro-Western democratic leader among former Soviet states, has become more authoritarian. Several opposition politicians are currently imprisoned.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has accused the opposition of attempting to foment violent coups and is taking steps to ban the political grouping to which Elisashvili's party belongs. This domestic friction has strained Georgia's relationship with the European Union, which has expressed concerns over democratic backsliding as the nation pursues EU membership.