Opposition leader Elisashvili protests in court over treatment in ongoing case

The leader of Citizens, Aleko Elisashvili, has criticised prosecutors and the court during a hearing related to charges against him, accusing authorities of denying him the opportunity to speak.

During the court session, Elisashvili questioned why individuals he claims assaulted him had not been arrested.

“Why are you not letting me speak? Why are you not giving me the right to say a word?” Elisashvili said in court. He also asked prosecutors why a man he identified as Zakaria Chokheli had not been detained over alleged involvement in his assault.

Elisashvili was arrested on 29 November 2025.

According to investigators, he is accused of attempting to commit a terrorist act by allegedly trying to set fire to the administrative office building of Tbilisi City Court.

The investigation also alleges that Elisashvili assaulted a court bailiff during the incident and resisted officers during his arrest while attempting to seize a weapon.

If convicted, he could face between 10 and 15 years in prison.