BBC evidence suggests Georgian protesters were sprayed with toxic compound from WW1

Evidence collected by the BBC indicates that Georgian authorities employed a chemical agent dating back to World War One to suppress anti-government protests last year. Protesters reported intense burning sensations from water cannons deployed in Tbilisi, which could not be immediately washed off. Other symptoms included shortness of breath, coughing, and prolonged vomiting.

One demonstrator, Gela Khasaia, described severe skin irritation after being hit by the water cannon. The BBC consulted chemical weapons experts, whistleblowers from Georgia's riot police, and medical professionals, all pointing to the use of a compound known as "camite," originally developed by the French military. Georgian officials dismissed the findings as absurd, asserting that police actions were legal responses to criminal behavior.

Camite was initially used by France against Germany during World War One and largely retired in the 1930s due to its long-lasting effects. CS gas, or tear gas, became the standard alternative.

Dr. Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a pediatrician, studied the health impact of the water cannon on protesters. During the demonstrations, which began on 28 November 2024 after the government paused EU accession talks, he experienced persistent skin burning himself. His survey of nearly 350 participants revealed that almost half suffered side effects lasting more than a month, including headaches, fatigue, coughs, breathing difficulties, and vomiting. Examinations of 69 participants also showed abnormal heart electrical activity.

The study, peer-reviewed and published in Toxicology Reports, supported suspicions that a chemical agent was present in the water cannons. Whistleblowers from Georgia's Special Tasks Department confirmed the chemical's identity. Lasha Shergelashvili, a former weapons head for the department, recounted testing the compound in 2009 and recommended against its use due to its intensity and persistence. Despite this, water cannons continued to be loaded with the chemical until at least 2022.

Inventory documents from December 2019 listed two unnamed chemicals, identified as trichloroethylene (UN1710) and a potential riot-control agent (UN3439). Expert analysis pointed to bromobenzyl cyanide, or camite, as the likely agent. Toxicology expert Prof. Christopher Holstege concluded that the symptoms and evidence aligned with camite exposure, ruling out standard riot-control chemicals like CS gas.

Camites use poses significant risks due to its persistent effects and irritant properties, making it far more dangerous than conventional crowd-control agents. Its deployment could be considered a chemical weapon under international law. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, emphasized that populations should never be subjected to experimental chemical use and that the prolonged effects observed could constitute torture or ill-treatment.

Georgian authorities rejected these findings, asserting police acted within legal limits. Despite restrictions and fines, protests on Rustaveli Avenue continue nightly, calling for government resignation amid allegations of election manipulation, Russian influence, and suppressive legislation. The ruling Georgian Dream party denies any pro-Russian agenda, claiming recent laws serve public welfare.

Analysis of the Chemical Agent Used in Tbilisi Protests

The use of chemical agents to suppress anti-government protests in Tbilisi last year has raised serious concerns about the methods deployed by Georgian authorities. Evidence gathered by the BBC and corroborated by medical professionals and whistleblowers indicates the use of "camite," a World War One-era chemical agent, in the water cannons. The symptoms reported by protesters—ranging from burning sensations to vomiting and shortness of breath—are consistent with exposure to this toxic substance.

Camite, originally developed by the French military, was discontinued after the 1930s due to its severe and long-lasting effects. The chemical’s reappearance as a crowd-control agent raises critical legal and ethical questions, particularly under international law. Experts have argued that its deployment could qualify as the use of a chemical weapon, with potentially catastrophic consequences for public health. Despite this, Georgian officials continue to dismiss these claims, calling them "absurd" and insisting that the police actions were within legal boundaries.

Dr. Konstantine Chakhunashvili's research, which surveyed over 350 protest participants, highlights the profound health risks linked to exposure. The fact that nearly half of the participants suffered from symptoms for over a month further underlines the dangerous nature of the chemicals involved. This situation also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability when it comes to the methods used by law enforcement during protests.

The continued use of such agents, despite warnings from experts and past testing, signals a troubling disregard for public safety. The ongoing protests in Tbilisi, driven by dissatisfaction over government actions and alleged election manipulation, have only intensified. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible policing practices and adherence to both national and international human rights standards.

Sources:

• WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests