Georgian opposition leader detained after attempted arson in Tbilisi Court

One of the leaders of the political party “Lelo – Strong Georgia”, Aleko Elisashvili, was detained early morning of November 29 in Tbilisi, the politician’s lawyer, Giorgi Rekhviashvili, confirmed to Georgian media, as per Caliber.Az.

According to Rekhviashvili, Elisashvili was taken to the main office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tbilisi.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that at dawn, Elisashvili, wearing a mask, broke the glass of the Tbilisi Court administration building with a hammer. He then entered the premises, poured gasoline around the perimeter—including over office supplies, equipment, and documents—and attempted to set the building on fire.

Elisashvili was carrying a pistol at the time. Despite offering resistance, he was detained on site. During the arrest, one court bailiff and Elisashvili sustained injuries.

By Tamilla Hasanova