“The baseless accusations circulating about the use of this so-called camite by the Ministry of Internal Affairs against rally participants are utterly absurd and false. This is not true at all,” said the Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs, Gela Geladze.
He further clarified that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has never acquired the bromobenzyl cyanide, a World War I-era tear gas also known as camite, within Georgia.
“I have personally reviewed all relevant documentation and purchase records related to this matter. With full confidence, I can affirm that the MIA in Georgia has never purchased the substance known as camite. As you are aware, the State Security Service has launched a probe. Of course, all important investigations will be conducted. Everyone involved will be interviewed, and all questions will be addressed,” stated Gela Geladze.
In response to a question, Minister Geladze also confirmed, “The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not use any hazardous substances during the protests.”
When asked whether any substances beyond water cannon and tear gas had been employed during the 2024 protests, he replied:
“I reiterate, several individuals whispered among themselves and discussed. All substances used to disperse various rallies were legally purchased from reputable companies approved in all leading countries,” he explained.
Gela Geladze was also asked about a statement by former Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri, in which he claimed: “The substances in question were used by the MIA until 2012. I can tell you with full responsibility that the UNM have dug a pit to fall into it.”
To this, Geladze responded: “Mr Gomelauri was referring to the fact that various substances were purchased in 2009. It appears your expectations will not live up; these were not camite.”
The Minister furthermore confirmed that the substance known as camite has never been purchased in Georgia, offering to provide all relevant documentation to the investigation.
Gela Geladze emphasised once again: “A small group of people have been spreading rumours and initiating certain processes regarding this matter. I assure you, with full responsibility, that the substance in question, the so-called camite, does not exist in Georgia and has never been acquired. I can supply all documentation related to purchases made in 2009, which involved various substances, but not ‘camite’.”
For context: The BBC has recently published an investigative report titled: WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests. The BBC alleges the use of chemical weapons from the First World War, citing paediatrician Konstantine Chakhunashvili, former head of the Special Task Force Lasha Shergelashvili, and expert Prof Christopher Holstege as sources. Respondents also include Eka Gigauri and Giorgi Bachiashvili. In the report, Lasha Shergelashvili states that, “in his opinion, this is the same substance he was asked to test for in a water cannon in 2009.” Furthermore, the BBC states that “the Georgian authorities said our investigation findings were ‘absurd’ and the police had acted legally in response to the ‘illegal actions of brutal criminals’”.
Meanwhile, Georgian Dream announced legal action against the BBC in international courts over ‘false’ allegations.
Furthermore, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has initiated an investigation into the BBC’s public reporting on crime.
