Georgian Interior Ministry: opposition leader Aleksandre Elisashvili detained for attempt to set fire to court building

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Saturday reported that Aleksandre Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the opposition Strong Georgia - Lelo coalition, has been detained after attempting to set fire to the Tbilisi City Court chancellery.

The Ministry noted that Elisashvili illegally entered the chancellery building after breaking a window, poured gasoline throughout the area, and attempted to ignite the fire.

“The investigation has determined that on November 29, at dawn, Aleksandre Elisashvili, disguised, broke the outer façade window of the Tbilisi City Court chancellery building using a hammer, entered the internal area of the court chancellery, poured gasoline around the perimeter - including on office supplies, equipment, and documentation - and attempted to set the building on fire. He was caught on the spot by representatives of the Court Marshals Service, to whom Elisashvili resisted using a firearm in his possession and inflicted physical injury. Despite the resistance, Aleksandre Elisashvili was detained on the spot by the marshals”, the Ministry said.

The Ministry reported that during the detention, Elisashvili resisted, brandishing a firearm and physically injuring one of the marshals.

“As a result of the confrontation, one representative of the Marshals Service was transported to a medical clinic due to sustained injuries. During the detention, Aleksandre Elisashvili also received injuries due to the resistance he put up”, the statement said.

“The police seized the weapons used in the commission of the crime as evidence”, the statement concluded.