** Politic Leader Speaks Out Against Charges**
Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the “Strong Georgia” party, is upset about being charged with political persecution. He believes the charges are absurd and are being used by the government to arrest him.
Speaking at a city court, Elisashvili said that while he was not arrested today, there will be another session on February 6 where his case will be discussed further. He pointed out that Giorgi Gakharia, who was prime minister, was beaten and kicked around by ten men last year, but no case of political persecution was opened against him.
Instead, a case under article 126 for assault was initiated. Elisashvili said it’s absurd to think he would attack someone as important as Ali Babaev, who is chairman of the Azerbaijani National Congress and one of the founders of the “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” party.
** Bail Set for Politic Leader**
Elisashvili was charged under article 156 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment. A court has set his bail at 4000 lari following a motion from the prosecution.
The incident occurred on December 2, when Elisashvili verbally and physically assaulted Ali Babaev in Tbilisi’s Kostava Street area, according to the prosecution. They claim the assault was motivated by political grounds.
Elisashvili denied the charges, saying he reacted to insults from Ali Babaev, not because of any political motivation. He remains defiant, saying “I’m ready for arrest and even jail” if that’s what the government wants to do.
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