Aleko Elisashvili is wanted in Russia on terrorism charges, and, as here, he has publicly beaten Mamuka Mdinaradze in front of cameras, said Irakli Kupradze, General Secretary of Lelo – Strong Georgia. His statement responds to the investigation opened against Elisashvili under terrorism charges.

Kupradze emphasized that although he saw Elisashvili on November 28, he had no communication with him regarding the incident.

"Three things I know about Aleko Elisashvili: First, he is wanted by the Russian regime and Putin on terrorism charges. Second, he is a patriotic citizen. Third, he has publicly beaten Mamuka Mdinaradze in front of cameras, who, as a ‘Koçi’ figure, is spiteful and vengeful.

We will follow the process to the end.

We need more communication and details from Aleko. He is wanted in Russia on terrorism charges, just as he is here. Whether he committed any acts beyond this is a matter for the case, but politically, his action is unacceptable for us. Still, the Ivanishvili regime pushes people into despair and drives them toward desperate acts, if his action is confirmed.

I communicated with him that day, until evening, at the office. We did not discuss this matter," Kupradze said.

For reference, Aleko Elisashvili has been charged under Article 19-323, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to the attempt to commit a terrorist act. The prescribed punishment is 10–15 years of imprisonment.

According to the investigation, masked Elisashvili, armed with a firearm, explosives, and items necessary to commit a terrorist act, approached the Tbilisi City Court building on November 29 at around 4:00 a.m. He broke the external glass of the court registry building with a hammer and entered the court’s interior.

The Prosecutor’s Office reported that he poured a large amount of flammable substances on items and documents at the scene and attempted to start a fire. The investigation also states that the politician attacked and beat one of the court clerks.

Additionally, Aleko Elisashvili faces another case related to the political persecution of Ali Babaev, one of the founders of the Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party. Based on a motion from the Prosecutor’s Office, he was released on a 5,000 GEL bail. In this case, he is charged under Article 156, Part 2, Subparagraph “a” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns persecution of a person for political activity, committed with violence. The prescribed punishment for this offense is up to three years of imprisonment.