The prosecution has requested pretrial detention for politician Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of Lelo – Strong Georgia, who was arrested on charges of attempting a terrorist act.

Prosecutor Mariam Berdzenishvili stated that Elisashvili acted according to a premeditated plan.

According to the prosecutor, there is a risk that Elisashvili could commit new crimes, influence witnesses, or attempt to evade justice. Berdzenishvili also said that Elisashvili’s goal was to intimidate citizens.

"The law is not an obstacle for him; he attempted to set fire to the courthouse in the fullest sense of the word. He entered through the back yard of the court according to a premeditated plan," Berdzenishvili stated.

She added that chemical analysis confirmed the substance Elisashvili used is highly flammable. The prosecutor said he attempted to use a firearm and threatened court marshals, to which Elisashvili responded, “That’s a lie.”

Furthermore, the prosecutor emphasized that the suspect might commit another crime. Berdzenishvili noted that on television, Elisashvili appeared frustrated that he had only a few seconds left to complete his plan, which demonstrates his motivation. The prosecutor stressed that Elisashvili has already engaged in violent acts and has been charged accordingly, creating a real risk of influencing witnesses.

The defense disagrees with the prosecution’s request. Attorney Giorgi Rekhviashvili stated that the terrorism charge is disproportionate.

Rekhviashvili also said that Elisashvili did not aim to intimidate the public; on the contrary, he deliberately chose a Saturday and non-working hours to avoid harming people. The attorney requested bail of 5,000 GEL for Elisashvili.

For reference, Aleko Elisashvili is charged under Article 19-323, Part 1 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertains to the attempted commission of a terrorist act. The penalty for this offense is 10–15 years of imprisonment.

According to the investigation, the masked Elisashvili, on November 29 at approximately 04:00, armed with a firearm, combat materials, and items necessary for committing a terrorist act, arrived at the Tbilisi City Court building, smashed the glass on the exterior of the court office with a hammer, and entered the internal premises.

The prosecution reported that he poured a large quantity of flammable liquid on objects and documents at the scene and tried to set fire. The investigation also notes that the politician attacked and beat one of the court marshals.