A BBC investigation rekindles international attention on Georgia and the protests that erupted in Tbilisi after the suspension of the EU accession path. According to the investigation, security forces allegedly used a chemical agent known as camite, developed during the First World War and considered obsolete and dangerous today. Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets since November 2024 to defend the country’s European orientation. Many protesters report symptoms that are much more severe than the effects of common riot agents. Accounts speak of persistent burning, breathing difficulties and discomfort lasting for weeks. Experts link these symptoms to bromobenzyl cyanide, a substance historically used as an irritant agent.

Testimonies and symptoms related to the alleged chemical weapon

The testimonies collected describe a burning sensation that is difficult to alleviate, even after numerous washings. Many activists report vomiting, coughing and intense fatigue. Paediatrician Konstantine Chakhunashvili, struck by the same symptoms, decides to start a data collection. He publishes a questionnaire and obtains almost 350 answers. Almost half of the participants report complaints lasting more than thirty days. Sixty-nine protesters are examined and show measurable cardiac abnormalities. These results are accepted by the journal Toxicology Reports. The data do not match the typical effects of CS gas, used as a tear gas by the Georgian police during public order operations. The intensity of the effects opens up important questions about the substances actually used.

The internal testimonies of the riot police

The former armament manager of the riot squad, Lasha Shergelashvili, provides key testimony. She recounts that in 2009 she received orders to test a highly irritating compound intended for water cannons. The liquid causes breathing difficulties and persistent burning. Shergelashvili advises against the operational use of the substance, but the compound ends up in the vehicles anyway. According to his sources, the substance remains in use until 2022. The former officer watches footage of the 2024 protests and immediately recognises the effects already experienced. His account reinforces doubts about the nature of the liquid used by the Georgian police.

The 2019 inventory and identified substances

The BBC also obtains a 2019 inventory with two unnamed substances: ‘Chemical liquid UN1710‘ and ‘Chemical powder UN3439‘. Another official confirms that the document is authentic and links these compounds to water cannons. UN1710 identifies trichloroethylene, a very powerful solvent. UN3439 includes numerous industrial compounds, but only one has a history as a riot control agent: bromobenzyl cyanide, the same ‘camite’ cited by the experts. This correspondence reinforces the hypothesis of the use of a historical chemical agent that has never been considered safe for modern operations.

Toxicologist Christopher Holstege’s analysis

Toxicologist Christopher Holstege analyses clinical data and testimonies collected by the BBC. His evaluations indicate that the described effects coincide with those of camite. Holstege rules out the exclusive use of CS gas, because it causes brief and reversible irritations. In contrast, camite produces much longer-lasting effects and contaminates the exposed area for days. Its potency is considerably higher than that of conventional riot control agents. An urban use of such a substance appears incompatible with modern standards of protest management.

Official reactions and institutional developments

The governing party Georgian Dream responds to the investigation in a very harsh tone and accuses the BBC of spreading false information. In a statement, the party says: “The BBC has not presented any concrete facts. We will use all legal means to counter unfounded and damaging accusations.”

The State Security Service of Georgia, the Georgian intelligence service responsible for national security and counter-intelligence, announced theopening of an investigation based on Articles 333 and 319 of the Criminal Code, relating to abuse of authority and support for foreign organisations hostile to the state.

These reactions show a very tense political climate. The BBC investigation thus becomes a central case in the relationship between Tbilisi, fundamental rights and European standards. The affair reveals a divided country, while many citizens continue to demand transparency, freedom and a European future.