Early on October 12, Giorgi Kharchilava, the Mayor of the opposition United National Movement-controlled Tsalenjikha Municipality, said his car was set on fire outside his residence under unusual circumstances that seem to imply malice. 

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the event is being investigated under Georgian Criminal Code Article 187, which addresses property damage or destruction. 

In the aftermath of the event, Mayor Kharchilava said that, in his opinion, all the evidence points to the fire being intentionally caused by someone. "The fact that the automobile was in excellent condition, which I can guarantee, leads me to the conclusion that human activity, i.e., a person, caused the fire," he added. Mayor Kharchilava said, "I believe it has to do with the municipality of Tsalenjikha being the only opposition mayor's office [in the country] and carrying out clearly defined reforms and anti-corruption policy that do not compromise common Georgian values for even a moment." 

Notably, Tsalenjikha was the only municipality where an opposition party candidate for mayor won the local elections in 2021. Moreover, Georgian Dream could not win a majority in the municipality, one of seven local councils (Sakrebulos). At the time of the election, GD and UNM had each won 11 seats. In comparison, Lelo for Georgia had one seat, and the For Georgia party had four seats despite losing one of its elected members to an independent candidate.