Evidence gathered by the BBC suggests that Georgian authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon against anti-government protesters in late 2024. Demonstrators reported lasting symptoms after being sprayed by water cannon during protests sparked by the government’s suspension of its European Union accession bid. The BBC investigation points to the use of “camite,” a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests. The Georgian authorities have dismissed these findings as “absurd,” stating that the police acted legally in response to “illegal actions of brutal criminals.”
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Official guidance: USA.gov — official guidance for WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC
Key Developments
The BBC World Service conducted an investigation involving chemical weapons experts, whistleblowers from Georgia’s riot police, and doctors. Their findings indicate the use of “camite,” a chemical agent deployed by France during World War One. Camite was reportedly removed from circulation in the 1930s due to concerns about its long-lasting effects, with CS gas (“tear gas”) becoming the replacement. The investigation highlights the potential use of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC findings indicate a serious escalation in riot control tactics.
Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a pediatrician who participated in the protests and was himself sprayed by the water cannon, reported a burning sensation on his skin that persisted for days and worsened when washed. Prompted by his own experience, Dr. Chakhunashvili conducted a survey to assess the experiences of other protesters, with nearly 350 people responding. Almost half reported experiencing side effects lasting longer than 30 days, including headaches, fatigue, coughs, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
Analysis of Protester Symptoms
Dr. Chakhunashvili’s study, which has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication by Toxicology Reports, an international journal, revealed that 69 of the surveyed individuals examined by him showed “significantly higher prevalence of abnormalities” in the electrical signals in the heart. This report aligns with conclusions reached by local journalists, doctors, and civil rights organizations, who suspected the water cannon was laced with a chemical. These groups have called on the government to identify the substance used, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs has refused to disclose this information, fueling concerns about the use of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC reports.
The investigation into the use of a potential WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC found, was aided by several high-level whistleblowers connected to the Special Tasks Department, the official name of Georgia’s riot police. These individuals provided crucial insights into the chemical’s likely identity and its potential use in crowd control measures. Their testimonies suggest a concerning pattern of behavior by Georgian authorities.
Whistleblower Testimony and Chemical Identification
Lasha Shergelashvili, a former head of weaponry at the Special Tasks Department, believes the substance used is the same compound he was asked to test for use in water cannon in 2009. He described the effects of the product as unlike anything he had previously experienced, including difficulty breathing that persisted even after washing his face with water and a special solution. Shergelashvili states that he recommended against the chemical’s use after testing it with 15-20 colleagues. Despite his recommendation, he claims the water cannon vehicles were loaded with the substance, and that this remained the case until he left his position in 2022. He recognized the effects during the 2024 protests. The BBC investigation raises serious questions about the potential use of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC sources indicate a long-standing issue.
According to Shergelashvili, the lasting effects of the substance, even after attempting to wash it off with specialized solutions, were a key indicator that it was not standard tear gas. The persistence of respiratory issues and skin irritation among those exposed further supports the theory that a more potent and potentially dangerous chemical agent was deployed. The alleged use of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence shows, warrants further investigation and accountability.
Government Response and International Concerns
The Georgian authorities have strongly denied the BBC’s findings, labeling them as “absurd” and maintaining that the police acted legally in response to “illegal actions of brutal criminals.” However, the evidence presented by the BBC, including whistleblower testimonies, expert analysis, and reports of long-lasting health effects among protesters, paints a different picture. The alleged deployment of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC investigation shows, raises serious concerns about the proportionality of force used by Georgian authorities and their commitment to protecting the health and safety of their citizens.
The implications of potentially using a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC findings suggest, extend beyond Georgia’s borders. The incident could raise questions about Georgia’s commitment to international norms regarding the use of chemical weapons and could impact its relationship with the European Union and other international partners. Further investigation and transparency from the Georgian government are crucial to address these concerns and ensure accountability.
The BBC’s investigation into the alleged use of a WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC findings underscore a disturbing potential violation of international norms and raises serious questions about the Georgian government’s response to protests. The long-lasting health effects reported by protesters and the testimonies of whistleblowers warrant further investigation and demand greater transparency from Georgian authorities. The international community will likely be watching closely as this situation unfolds.
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