Georgian PM dismisses claims over alleged banned chemicals usage at protests

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has rejected opposition allegations that banned chemical agents were used against demonstrators during protests in 2024.

Speaking to reporters on December 5, Kobakhidze described the claims as "unfounded" and mocked some of the examples raised by government critics, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He referred sarcastically to opposition media reports alleging that a pet parrot living near Rustaveli Avenue had lost its feathers after the protest dispersal.

“There was no scandal,” Kobakhidze said. “As a result, the opposition is appealing with stories that a parrot in an apartment next to Rustaveli Avenue lost its feathers after the dispersal of demonstrators.”

Kobakhidze added that investigators would determine whether anyone had acted against Georgia’s national interests in connection with the allegations.

“The investigation may even examine this parrot,” he remarked, adding that “everything will be fine with the parrot.”

Some opposition television channels have cited the reported feather loss of the parrot, as well as claims that a dog became lethargic for several days, as evidence of chemical agents being used during the 2024 protests. Authorities have denied these accusations.

A reminder that a BBC article released earlier this week alleged that Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to aupress anti-government protesters last year.

By Sabina Mammadli