UK urges Georgia to investigate alleged use of WWI-era chemical on protesters

The United Kingdom has called on Georgia to meet its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and ensure that allegations of the use of toxic chemicals against protesters in Tbilisi are fully investigated, according to Georgia Today.

UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty made the remarks in response to a parliamentary question from MP Jessica Morden, who asked how the UK assesses reports that Georgian authorities used bromobenzyl cyanide against demonstrators.

“I was deeply concerned by the BBC report alleging that Georgian police used toxic chemicals against protesters in Tbilisi in late 2024,” Doughty said.

He added that London expects Georgia “to fulfil its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention to ensure that any alleged breaches of the Convention’s prohibitions on the use of toxic chemicals are properly investigated.”

The BBC published an investigative report alleging that Georgian police deployed a World War I–era toxic chemical—bromobenzyl cyanide—during anti-government protests in Tbilisi. The investigation drew on testimony from chemical weapons experts, Georgian special police informants, and medical professionals.

According to the BBC, evidence indicated that the substance caused severe burns and long-term health complications among demonstrators. The report prompted calls from international partners for an independent and thorough inquiry.

By Aghakazim Guliyev