Georgia's jailed opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria faces worsening health in prison

Elene Khoshtaria, leader of Georgia’s opposition Droa party, is currently serving a 1.5-year prison sentence. She was convicted for writing on an election banner belonging to the ruling Georgian Dream party. Her detention occurred just before the country’s local elections in October 2025. Khoshtaria also faces a separate charge in a ‘sabotage’ case. The most serious allegation against her carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Her lawyer, Shota Tutberidze, has raised concerns about her health. Around four months ago, Khoshtaria began experiencing a gradual decline in her condition. Symptoms include severe joint pain, restricted mobility, and increasing difficulty moving.

In June, her legal team formally requested a treatment plan from the prison authorities. No response has been received so far. Tutberidze warned that without proper medical care, she risks irreversible harm. Turkish doctors who assessed her condition echoed these concerns, stating she may eventually require a wheelchair if untreated.

The Penitentiary Service rejected the claims. They described Tutberidze’s statements as ‘disinformation’ and insisted Khoshtaria has not raised any complaints about the prison’s medical staff. Khoshtaria remains in a women’s prison near Rustavi. Her health continues to deteriorate while her legal team pushes for medical intervention. The prison’s lack of response to the treatment request leaves her situation unresolved.