Georgian interior chief denies BBC allegations of chemical use against protesters

Georgian Interior Minister Gela Geladze has strongly denied allegations that his ministry used the banned chemical substance known as “camite” during protests, calling the claims entirely false.

According to Caliber.Az, citing Georgian media, the denial comes amid a criminal investigation launched by the Georgian State Security Service following a BBC report suggesting that chemicals from the First World War might have been used against demonstrators in Tbilisi in 2024.

“Complete nonsense. This is a false accusation regarding the use of the banned substance, so-called ‘camite,’ by the Interior Ministry against protesters. It is absolutely not true,” Geladze said.

The minister emphasized that no substances harmful to health were deployed by the Interior Ministry during protest dispersals.

“All measures used to disperse various protests were legally procured from major companies whose products are utilized in all leading countries,” he added.

Geladze further noted that the rumors about the use of “camite” emerged from informal conversations among a few individuals and have no factual basis. He stressed that Georgia has never purchased this chemical and that all relevant documentation is available for investigators.

“I have personally reviewed all the documentation and all purchases made in this regard. With full responsibility and confidence, I can say that the Georgian Interior Ministry has never acquired the so-called ‘camite,’” Geladze concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova