Georgia Accused of Chemical Weapon Use Against Protesters

Protests in Georgia last year took a troubling turn when government forces allegedly deployed a World War One-era chemical agent against demonstrators, leading to severe health symptoms. The use of such a weapon has raised serious concerns about human rights abuses and safety regulations within the country.

Why It Matters

The allegations highlight a chilling disregard for public safety during civil unrest and raise questions about governmental accountability. More broadly, this incident underscores the precarious balance between maintaining order and protecting citizens’ rights, particularly in regions navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

Key Developments

• Chemical Agent Identified: Evidence suggests the Georgian authorities used a chemical weapon known as "camite," previously employed in World War One.
• Severe Health Effects: Protesters reported debilitating symptoms including skin burns, respiratory issues, and vomiting that lasted for weeks.
• Expert Analysis: Chemical weapons experts and whistleblowers confirmed that the chemical used is stronger than conventional crowd-control agents like CS gas.
• Government Response: Georgian officials dismissed the findings as "absurd," claiming their actions were lawful responses to unruly behavior.
• Continued Protests: Despite diminished crowds, protests against the government’s shift away from EU accession have persisted, demanding accountability and reforms.

Full Report

Allegations of Chemical Use

Amidst large-scale protests in Tbilisi against the Georgian government’s suspension of European Union accession negotiations, demonstrators reported feeling an intense burning sensation from water cannon sprays. These claims were substantiated by interviews collected by the BBC, which included testimony that participants continued to experience health problems long after exposure.

Expert Testimony

A study by Dr. Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a pediatrician involved in the protests, revealed that over half of the nearly 350 surveyed participants experienced symptoms persisting for more than 30 days. Heart abnormalities were documented among the individuals assessed by Dr. Chakhunashvili, pointing toward harmful effects consistent with chemical exposure.

Chemical weapons experts reviewed the circumstances and indicated that the symptoms observed were typical of exposure to bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as camite, a chemical listed in Georgia’s riot police inventory. The chemical is recognized for its lingering effects, contrasting sharply with typical riot-control agents designed for temporary irritation.

Official Denials

In response to the investigation, the Georgian government labeled the findings as deeply frivolous, asserting that police acted legally in response to "brutal criminals." However, calls from various civil rights organizations and local journalists have demanded clarity regarding the chemical substances employed in crowd control.

Whistleblower Insights

High-level whistleblowers from Georgia’s Special Tasks Department, which oversees riot police activities, revealed troubling information regarding the chemical’s deployment. Lasha Shergelashvili, a former head of weaponry in the department, expressed concerns that the same potent agent used in past riots continues to be employed despite recommendations against it. He stated that the chemical’s effects are far stronger than conventional methods previously utilized.

Context & Previous Events

Protests began on November 28, 2024, following the Georgian government’s announcement to pause EU accession discussions, a goal enshrined in the nation’s constitution. The government’s response to protests has included various riot-control methods, which escalated tensions between demonstrators and authorities.

Despite reduced crowd sizes due to increased fines and police actions, nightly protests persist as citizens voice their frustration over perceived governmental failures, including allegations of election rigging and alignment with Russian interests. The ruling Georgian Dream party, however, maintains that legislative actions taken were in the public’s best interest and denies any pro-Russian bias.