Georgia's State Security Service refutes BBC allegations on “camit” deployment

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has categorically denied ever purchasing bromobenzyl cyanide, commonly known as “camit.”

Georgian media, cited by Caliber.Az, reported that the statement was made during a briefing by the State Security Service.

“The investigation established that on the night of December 4–5, 2024, to suppress mass unrest, a substance called chlorobenzylidene malononitrile was used, with propylene glycol as its solvent. None of the substances mentioned fall under the category of prohibited chemicals,” the agency said.

Witnesses cited in the BBC report, which alleged the use of a dangerous chemical during protests in Tbilisi, were questioned by authorities. During these interviews, the witnesses denied that their statements or conclusions were related to the toxic chemical camit.

The BBC article, published on December 1, claimed that Georgian security forces employed a World War I-era toxic substance known as “camite” in water cannons to disperse anti-government protests in Tbilisi in late 2024.

The report suggested that exposure caused prolonged symptoms among protesters, including burning sensations, coughing, shortness of breath, and skin irritation—effects inconsistent with standard tear gas. The article relied on interviews with nearly 350 affected protesters, whistleblowers from Georgia’s riot police, and medical experts.

Georgian authorities rejected the BBC report as “absurd,” “false,” and damaging to the country’s international reputation. In response, a state security agency launched an investigation into the article. 

By Tamilla Hasanova