Calls for International Inquiry Emerge After Claims of Chemical Agent Use in Tbilisi Protests

The materials used by Georgian police to break up anti-government protests in Tbilisi in November and December 2024 are under scrutiny. Protesters and opposition leaders are requesting an independent, international inquiry to determine what these substances were and where they came from.

Protests took place under the slogan, “The regime is poisoning us, an international investigation must be conducted,” which shows a lack of trust in the official Georgian investigation. Protesters held signs reading, “Silence sealed by gas,” and “Attacking a peaceful protest with chemical weapons is an unforgivable crime.”

BBC Investigation and Whistleblower Testimony

The situation got more intense after a detailed report by the BBC. The report suggested that the Georgian government might have used bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as Camite, a chemical agent from World War I, to stop the protests. The substance was reportedly stopped being made in the 1930s because of worries about its long-term health risks. Protesters say they had symptoms for weeks after exposure, like eye irritation, breathlessness, constant coughing, and vomiting.

Lasha Shergelashvili, the former head of the Arms Department of the Interior Ministry's Special Operations Unit, is a main source for the claims. Shergelashvili, who quit in 2022, said that Camite had been tested in Georgia as far back as 2009, but it was kept secret because it was too toxic. He specifically blamed the State Security Service (SSG) for lying about the substance's existence or use. He stated he knew for a fact that the chemical was used during a 2020 protest dispersal. He said he watched the mixing happen from a distance and noticed that two people in protective suits and gas masks were required to handle the chemical powder. Shergelashvili stated the BBC has proof, with the names and positions of those who handled the water cannons.

Official Government Denial and Claims

The Georgian government has denied the claims. The State Security Service (SSG) said that its initial investigation found that the Interior Ministry never bought or used Camite. The SSG claims that only CS gas (chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) and propylene glycol (a solvent) were used and that these are legal. The SSG said that only five of the 54 protesters taken to the hospital showed signs of mild intoxication. The SSG called the BBC report disinformation and a planned campaign against Georgia’s interests.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze repeated this, stating the Camite claim was a planned campaign of foreign intelligence and a new hybrid war against Georgia. He said the domestic investigation was over and the issue closed, but he did say the government would share documents about the substances if asked by an international organization.

On the other hand, former Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said that Camite was bought and used, but only before 2012 during the previous administration.

Political and International Pressure

Opposition politicians have called the official investigation unconvincing. Former Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili agreed with the protesters' demand, stating, The regime is poisoning us, an international investigation must be conducted.

The international community has also spoken out, requesting accountability. The OSCE, in a joint statement from 39 countries, said they were worried that not investigating the use of too much force creates a lack of punishment and indicates a shrinking civil space. Amnesty International also raised concerns about intimidation and criminal cases against whistleblowers, journalists, and witnesses, and urged the government to stop the harassment and ensure a fair investigation into the possible use of forbidden substances. Separately, a group of Georgian doctors asked international organizations for an independent medical exam. They pointed to a study that showed higher rates of heart changes among protesters, and they stated they are focused on protecting health, not making a political argument.