Elisashvili's defense accused the Penitentiary Service of discrediting the Georgian opposition leader.

Lawyers for detained opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili call the Penitentiary Service's statements an attempt to discredit him and misdirect the case.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on November 29, 2025, security forces detained Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the "Lelo - Strong Georgia" coalition, in connection with an attempted arson attack on the Tbilisi City Court office. Elisashvili has been charged under Article 19-323 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (attempted terrorist attack) and faces up to 15 years in prison. He was remanded in custody. On January 13, the court upheld the pretrial detention measure.

Earlier, during the January 13 trial, Elisashvili emphasized that he had been subjected to inhumane treatment after his arrest. He was held tightly handcuffed behind his back for several hours, causing him to bleed and sustain wounds on his arms, the marks of which remain to this day. However, his lawyers stated on January 14 that none of the police officers involved have been held accountable, Interpressnews reported.

The lawyers believe that the inappropriate and unlawful treatment by the state, as well as the dissemination of false information, reinforce the perception that Elisashvili is a victim of ongoing political persecution. They call on the Penitentiary Service to refrain from disseminating unverified information regarding a prisoner who is prohibited from contacting the outside world.

The lawyers point out that the service, without explanation, refused to transfer Elisashvili from Prison No. 6 to less restrictive facilities where other accused politicians are held. Furthermore, by the prosecutor's decision, he is prohibited from making telephone calls.

For its part, the Special Penitentiary Service refuted the statement made by opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili at his trial in Tbilisi City Court.

"All defendants/convicts placed in the penitentiary system, including Aleko Elisashvili, are given the opportunity to maintain personal hygiene without compromising their honor and dignity." "His claim that he is unable to maintain personal hygiene, specifically that he lacks nail care products, is also false (the accused has nail clippers, a disposable razor, a mirror, a plastic basin, and a bucket in his cell)," the statement, quoted by Sova, reads.

The Special Penitentiary Service also noted that Elisashvili was placed in Penitentiary Institution No. 6 in full compliance with legal requirements and freely enjoys all of his rights.

As a reminder, Elisashvili does not deny the arson, but he rejected the charge of terrorism. His defense stated that Elisashvili committed the arson as a protest against the authorities' actions. "He committed this act as a protest; it was one of the means. He protested against an unfair trial. 'Fire to the oligarchy!' and 'Fire to an unfair trial!'—those were the words he conveyed to me. The only thing he regrets is that he didn't have enough seconds to bring the matter to a conclusion," the lawyer said after the politician's arrest.

According to police, Elisashvili smashed the glass of the court office building's facade with a hammer, entered, doused the premises, including office supplies and documentation, with gasoline, and attempted to set the building on fire.