“It is a fact that, judging by the footage — gasoline, hammer, candle — this is some special operation planned by ‘Georgian Dream.’ It is impossible that a person living in Mtatsminda would go to the court at night with the intention of setting fire, especially since many state institutions and buildings are located near his home,” said Giorgi Rekhviashvili, lawyer for Aleko Elisashvili, a member of “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” speaking to journalists near the Dighomi police department.

The lawyer stated that not only is he being prevented from meeting with his client, but he also does not have confirmed information about his whereabouts.

“I only learned this information after seeing the footage released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which shows that he sustained physical injuries. I found out this morning that he had been detained in connection with a criminal case, but so far I have not been given the opportunity to meet him personally, see his injuries, or learn exactly which charges he is facing. The fact is, judging by the footage — gasoline, hammer, candle — this appears to be a special operation planned by ‘Georgian Dream.’

We have seen several cases against Aleko Elisashvili before — for example, the Ali Babaev case exactly one year ago, which is still ongoing due to lack of evidence, and no crime has been proven. Therefore, I assume that a new case was needed, with new evidence collected, to stop this active politician in some way. This, in my opinion, is political persecution, and no actual crime has occurred.

It is impossible that a person living in Mtatsminda would go at night to the court and attempt arson. Many state institutions and buildings exist near his home, so if he had wanted to commit such a crime, he could have done it closer to home, not at such a distance. This is absurd from the defense’s perspective.

I will provide additional information when he is transferred to the detention center, and I meet and speak with him. Information has also been provided to the Public Defender’s Office, whose representatives plan to investigate this matter.

Not only am I not allowed to see him, but we also assume he is at the Dighomi police department. They are not even telling us exactly where he is — in reality, the person has disappeared,” the lawyer said.