Amnesty International Urges Inquiry into Chemical Use, Calls for Police Equipment Ban in Georgia

Amnesty International is pushing for an international investigation into claims that Georgian officials used a toxic chemical on protestors in late 2024. They also say there should be a full ban on sending police and law enforcement equipment to Georgia as long as the Georgian Dream party is in power.

Toxic Chemical Findings

This request comes after a BBC documentary (When Water Burns, Dec. 1, 2025) showed evidence that water cannons used during the Nov-Dec 2024 protests sprayed water mixed with bromobenzyl cyanide (also known as camite). This chemical, dates to World War I, is very toxic and can cause burns, vomiting, breathing problems, and other serious, lasting injuries. These findings support concerns voiced earlier by local watchdogs, doctors, and Amnesty International.

Retaliation Against Witnesses and Specialists

Georgian officials quickly denied everything, calling the BBC documentary false and the BBC a fake media outlet.

Though they announced an investigation by the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG), authorities immediately targeted people who gave testimonies in the documentary. Experts, witnesses, human rights advocates, and doctors who helped protestors, documented injuries, or shared details are being questioned under procedures usually for serious crimes. They are accused of helping a foreign group in harmful activity and hurting Georgia’s interests and reputation.

Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said this reaction was not appropriate:

The Georgian officials are responding to these important claims in a strange way: they're spreading fear and going after witnesses and journalists, while also denying evidence and dismissing it as ‘absurd’—all while pretending to investigate.

Krivosheev said that by calling information sharing with journalists ‘harmful activity’ and painting experts, groups, and victims as threats, the officials are damaging the investigation and limiting freedom of speech.

Call for Accountability and Equipment Ban

Amnesty International says the SSG’s investigation is flawed and is part of a pattern by Georgian officials to protect law enforcement and silence people.

The organization wants three things to happen fast: first, an international investigation into the alleged use of chemicals and unlawful force by Georgian law enforcement during the 2024 protests. Second, support from countries that are part of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a Fact-Finding Mission. Third, strong steps by Georgia’s partners, including a full ban on sending law enforcement equipment and weapons that can cause harm.