Aleko Elisashvili, a Georgian opposition politician and founder of the Citizens party, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of attempted terrorism for trying to set fire to a court building in Tbilisi.
The sentencing highlights ongoing political tensions and concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia, potentially impacting its aspirations to join the European Union and signaling a crackdown on opposition activities.
A Georgian opposition politician, Aleko Elisashvili, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of attempted terrorism. The conviction relates to an incident in November 2025 where Elisashvili allegedly broke into the Tbilisi City Court's chancellery building, poured gasoline inside, and attempted to set it alight.
Elisashvili, a founder of the Citizens party, pleaded not guilty, stating his actions were a protest against a government crackdown on the opposition. He was cited as saying he wanted to "spit in the face of this government, to show that they cannot oppress us."
Government critics contend that Georgia has become increasingly authoritarian since the start of the war in Ukraine. Several opposition politicians are currently in prison, and Elisashvili's party is part of a political grouping facing a potential ban by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has accused the opposition of attempting to incite violent coups.
Concerns over democratic backsliding have strained Georgia's ties with the European Union, which the country aspires to join. It remains unclear if Elisashvili will appeal his sentence.
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