Georgia’s Security Service Rebuts BBC Claims of Chemical Weapons Use Against Protesters

Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG) has forcefully rejected allegations made in a BBC investigative film that claimed authorities used banned chemical substances against protesters during demonstrations in late 2024. In its annual parliamentary report, the agency characterized these allegations as “deliberate disinformation” orchestrated to undermine Georgia’s national interests.

The controversy centers on claims that Georgian authorities deployed bromobenzyl cyanide—commonly known as “camite”—a prohibited chemical agent, during protest dispersals in November and December 2024. The SSG described the BBC’s reporting as part of a “well-planned, organized and campaign-like” effort involving foreign actors and Georgian citizens pursuing “specific hostile goals.”

Following the broadcast, Georgian authorities launched an extensive investigation that included over 160 investigative actions and interviews with 93 witnesses. Those questioned included current and former Interior Ministry employees, medical professionals, experts, NGO representatives, and individuals featured in the BBC report.

According to the SSG, the investigation found no evidence that “camite” was ever purchased or used by Georgian authorities. Instead, the report states that crowd control during protests relied on chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS gas), a common riot-control agent not prohibited under international conventions. The agency emphasized that CS gas had been legally procured by the Interior Ministry as early as 2007 and 2009 from foreign suppliers.

The security service cited customs records and chemical analysis conducted by the Levan Samkharauli National Forensic Bureau to support its findings. The report also noted that propylene glycol was used as a solvent during dispersal operations in early December 2024—a substance that is not classified as prohibited.

To further strengthen its position, the SSG referenced import data showing that over the past two decades, various Georgian entities, including private companies, had imported CS gas components hundreds of times, suggesting these materials were neither unusual nor illegal.

The agency’s investigation also addressed medical evidence. Experts interviewed emphasized that bromobenzyl cyanide typically causes severe and potentially fatal effects and has been banned since the early 20th century. Among 54 individuals hospitalized following the protests, only five exhibited mild intoxication symptoms and were discharged the next day—findings the SSG considers inconsistent with exposure to a highly toxic substance like “camite.”

The report pointed out that witnesses whose statements were cited in the BBC investigation reportedly denied concluding that “camite” had been used. According to the SSG, none of these individuals had conducted research confirming the presence of the banned chemical agent.

One key individual featured prominently in the BBC report was not interviewed by Georgian investigators. The SSG noted this person is linked to a separate case involving the purchase and storage of explosive materials, potentially casting doubt on their credibility.

The Georgian security agency concluded that claims in the BBC film lacked factual basis and were part of a coordinated effort to undermine Georgia. The investigation continues under Article 319 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which addresses assisting foreign organizations in hostile activities against the country.

In its parliamentary report, the SSG expressed concern that disinformation campaigns from Western sources could fuel anti-Western sentiment within Georgia and contribute to public distrust toward international institutions—a particularly sensitive issue given Georgia’s geopolitical position and aspirations for European integration.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Georgia’s government and Western media over democratic practices and protest management in the South Caucasus nation, which continues to navigate complex relationships with both Russia and Western powers.