Aleko Elisashvili, a politician and one of the leaders of Lelo – Strong Georgia, who was charged with attempted terrorist acts, has been placed in custody as a preventive measure.

The decision was made by Judge Lela Maridashvili of the Tbilisi City Court.

During today’s hearing, the court considered the preventive measure against the detained politician. The prosecution requested the strictest measure - pre-trial detention - while the defense sought his release on 5,000 GEL bail. The judge approved the prosecution’s request.

For context, Elisashvili is charged under Article 19-323(1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns attempted terrorist acts and carries a punishment of 10 to 15 years of imprisonment.

According to the investigation, on November 29, around 4:00 a.m., a masked Aleko Elisashvili, armed with a firearm, combat materials, and items necessary for carrying out a terrorist act, arrived at the Tbilisi City Court building. He broke the glass of the court chancellery’s exterior façade with a hammer and entered the interior space.

The prosecution reported that he poured a large quantity of flammable substance on items and documents and attempted to start a fire. The investigation also states that he attacked and beat one of the court marshals.