Georgian law enforcement authorities have apprehended Aleksandre Elisashvili, leader of the opposition Citizens party, on allegations of attempting to ignite the Tbilisi City Court building. According to the Interior Ministry’s official statement, the incident occurred at dawn when Elisashvili allegedly breached the court chancellery by shattering a window with a hammer before dousing the premises with gasoline.
The 47-year-old former parliamentarian, who leads the Lelo-Strong Georgia coalition affiliate, was reportedly armed during the confrontation and injured a court official during the arrest procedure. Security footage disseminated by authorities purportedly shows a handgun, gasoline container, lighter, and broken glass at the scene, though independent verification remains pending.
This development occurs amidst heightened political tensions in Georgia, where the ruling Georgian Dream party has petitioned the Constitutional Court to ban three primary opposition groups, including Elisashvili’s coalition. The arrest coincides with ongoing demonstrations marking one year of continuous protests against the government’s suspension of European Union accession talks.
Thousands of demonstrators have maintained daily gatherings along Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue since November 28, 2024, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the halt in EU membership negotiations. The government has responded by implementing stricter public assembly regulations and legislation targeting civil society organizations, measures critics compare to Russian-style authoritarian practices.