“If I had wanted to injure someone, none of those bailiffs would be alive. I had an unloaded gun in the holster,” - this statement was made during the court hearing by politician Aleko Elisashvili, who has been arrested on charges of attempted terrorist act.

Elisashvili explained why he decided to burn down the administrative building of the court and said that he can no longer bear watching the injustice taking place there.

According to him, “I confirm the fact, but I have committed no crime.”

“If I had wanted to injure someone, none of those bailiffs would be alive. I had an unloaded gun in the holster - I have a permit to carry it. I took it because the route I had to take… maybe I would have been eaten by wolves on the road - I say it openly.

I am impressed by the behavior of that first bailiff - he was a small guy - I had poured one bottle of gasoline - respect to his manhood, well done, 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 - well done! First of all I am a man, a Georgian, and only then a terrorist!

I arrived there before dawn, I walked a huge distance, it was a premeditated decision - I bought and prepared everything. I told my wife and kids I was going fishing. I could no longer stand watching this injustice - how bailiffs drag little children like cats. I myself saw a 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 smashed the glass for one hour - I was exhausted - for one hour I hesitated. If I had acted quickly, I would definitely have achieved my goal. I sat leaning on the fence, climbed over the construction fence - thinking ‘should I go in or not’ - then I got angry at myself, how can I be scared? I wanted to slap everyone - I will never accept what is happening.

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

I want to apologize to my people [cannot hold back tears]… Judge, this is not a tear - this is anger and bitterness - don’t think I am weak…

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

For reference: 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 offense carries a penalty of 10 to 15 years of imprisonment.

According to the investigation, a masked Aleko Elisashvili arrived near Tbilisi City Court on November 29 around 04:00, armed with a firearm, ammunition, and items required for carrying out a terrorist act. Using a hammer, he broke the exterior glass of the court’s chancellery building and entered the inner space of the facility. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, he poured a large amount of flammable liquid on objects and documents inside and attempted to start a fire. The investigation also states that the politician attacked and beat one of the bailiffs.