“Judge, these are not tears - this is anger and bitterness, don’t think I am weak,” - said politician Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of Lelo – For a Strong Georgia, who is charged with attempted terrorist act, during his court hearing.

He spoke in detail about why he decided to burn down the court building.

“I will tell you what hit me and what bit into me - what happened and why I am here. I wanted to set fire to the injustice, the repression and the violence that exists in this country, and the structure carrying it out is you.

If I had wanted to harm someone, none of those bailiffs would be alive. I had an unloaded gun in the holster. I have a carrying permit. I took it with me because the route I was walking… maybe I would have been eaten by wolves on the road - I am saying it openly.

I am impressed by the behavior of the first bailiff - he was a small guy - I had poured one bottle of gasoline - I honor his manhood, respect to him, he did his job, he fought me off… I wanted to get rid of him, I couldn’t shake him off, he clung to me like a tick and I couldn’t get rid of him - respect to him! First of all I am a man, a Georgian, and only then a terrorist!

I went there before dawn, walked a huge distance. It was a pre‑made decision; I bought and prepared everything. I told my wife and kids that I was going fishing. I could no longer stand watching this injustice - how they drag little children like cats, the bailiffs… I myself saw one policeman enjoying the sight of me bleeding…

I confirm the fact, but I have committed no crime. I have never broken into anyone’s building. I was smashing the glass for one hour - I was exhausted - for one hour I hesitated. If I had acted quickly, I would have definitely achieved my goal. I sat leaning against the fence, climbed over the construction fence, thinking ‘should I go in or not’ - then I got angry at myself - how could I be scared? I wanted to slap everyone. I will never accept what is happening.

I had an ‘unloaded’ gun inside my clothes - if I had wanted to attack someone, no one would be alive. I just wanted to fight off the bailiff. In that scuffle the gun fell out. Despite everything, I respect that bailiff - I wish everyone defended their job like that and didn’t do what we see in the courtroom today.

I want to apologize to my people [he can’t hold back tears]… Judge, this is not a tear - this is anger and bitterness - don’t think that I am weak. Irakli [Kupradze], I’m sorry if you think I harmed our common cause - I’m sorry. I am very proud… One sadistic policeman was arguing with me for an hour - saying I took tons of money from Khazaradze. For a year and a half we were going through that case like men. Khazaradze, Japaridze and Kupradze know - I have never asked anyone for money…

In short - those who remain outside, push till the end - fire to the oligarchy.”

The judge responded by saying that he was issuing a warning.

“Warn as much as you like,” Elisashvili replied.

For context: Aleko Elisashvili has been charged under Article 19‑323, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to the attempted commission of a terrorist act. The crime carries 10 to 15 years of imprisonment.

According to the investigation, masked Aleko Elisashvili arrived at Tbilisi City Court on November 29 around 04:00, armed with a firearm, ammunition and items needed for carrying out a terrorist act. Using a hammer, he broke the glass of the building façade of the court’s chancellery and entered inside. The Prosecutor’s Office reports that he poured a large amount of flammable substance on objects and documents inside and attempted to set them on fire. According to investigators, the politician also attacked and beat one of the bailiffs.