Aleko Elisashvili’s injuries were inflicted by bailiff officers after he was already handcuffed and no longer posed a threat — Elisashvili never attempted or intended to use a firearm, lawyer Giorgi Rekhviashvili said regarding the case of Aleko Elisashvili, who attempted to set fire to the Chancellery building of Tbilisi City Court.

According to the lawyer, the action carried out by Elisashvili was “a form of expressing protest against an unfair court and an act of solidarity with political prisoners.”

“The injuries were inflicted by bailiff officers after he was already handcuffed and no longer posed any threat. It is also important to note that the investigation claims he entered with threats using a firearm and threatened people with a weapon. In reality, the gun was in the holster, he was wearing a hoodie over it and then a jacket, and he made no attempt to use it. The clip showing the gun lying on the floor was recorded after he was arrested — the weapon fell out during the struggle. He made no attempt or had any intention to use the weapon.”

“When he entered, three bailiff officers arrived afterward, and later policemen as well,” — Rekhviashvili told journalists.

Regarding the question of how Elisashvili managed to enter through the court gate, the lawyer responded that Elisashvili broke the door and entered inside.

“He crossed inside by breaking the door, entered, and some time later the bailiffs arrived. He had planned his action and acted alone. He underlined that he was alone and it was his personal decision to use this form of protest. Claims that he beat a bailiff are false.”

According to the lawyer, Elisashvili does not plead guilty at this stage:

“He does not plead guilty. We have not yet seen the official charges — we will read and review them. The investigation mentions a firearm and threats, but he does not acknowledge this. Yes, he admits that he did enter the building — because that was his form of protest — and he acknowledges that part. But he won’t plead guilty to a crime until we know what exact charge is brought. We know the relevant article, but we have not been handed the document and have not been familiarized with it.”

He added that Elisashvili will be officially charged tomorrow, November 30, after which they will be able to provide further information to the public. According to the lawyer, for now, the case is being investigated under only one article.