Georgia’s ruling party has launched an aggressive counterattack against the BBC after the network published a bombshell investigation alleging that police in Tbilisi deployed a World War I–era chemical agent to disperse anti-government protesters. The Georgian government says the claims are “absurd, false, and damaging” — and vows to pursue every legal avenue against the British broadcaster.
A Stunning Allegation: Chemical Agent in Water Cannons
The controversy erupted after the BBC reported that Georgian police may have used bromobenzyl cyanide, a choking agent first deployed during World War I, in water cannons aimed at demonstrators in late 2024. The report, based on testimony from chemical weapons experts, riot police insiders, doctors, and protesters, suggested that the substance was mixed into high-pressure water jets.
Dozens of protesters later described severe symptoms — breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, vomiting, and burning skin — that reportedly lasted for weeks.
Investigators cited internal police inventory documents showing that two chemical substances were logged in December 2024, both matching materials that could be added to water dispersal systems. Protesters at the time were demonstrating against the government’s controversial decision to suspend EU accession talks.
Tbilisi Fires Back: ‘Absurd Lies’
In a sharply worded statement Monday, the ruling Georgian Dream party condemned what it called “multiple absurd and false claims” in the BBC report. The ruling party said it would pursue “all possible legal measures” to hold the broadcaster accountable.
The party insists police used only legally approved riot-control methods and accused the BBC of fueling political instability.
Security Services Launch Investigation — But Into What?
Georgia’s domestic intelligence agency has opened an inquiry — but not necessarily into possible chemical misuse. Instead, the agency says it is investigating whether a crime was committed endangering citizens’ lives or whether the BBC published a “false report harming Georgia’s national interests.”
The wording has raised fresh concerns among civil society groups, who warn that the government may be targeting journalists rather than addressing potential misconduct by its own security forces.
The dispute also mirrors an earlier international clash: the report notes that U.S. President Donald Trump sued the BBC last month over an edited segment of his January 6 remarks, prompting the network to apologize. Critics say the Georgian ruling party may be attempting a similar pressure tactic.
A Deepening Political Rift in Georgia
The controversy strikes at the heart of Georgia’s ongoing political crisis. Massive protests erupted last year after the ruling party paused talks with the European Union and advanced laws seen as restricting civil society and aligning the country closer to Moscow.
Opposition leaders say the government is “using lawsuits to silence criticism,” while protesters argue that the symptoms they experienced prove something toxic was used against them.
Government officials, however, continue to deny any wrongdoing.
What Comes Next
With a potential lawsuit looming and Georgia’s security services probing the report, the clash between Tbilisi and the BBC is likely far from over. Human rights groups are already urging independent international investigators to intervene, warning that Georgia risks sliding further from European democratic standards.
One thing is clear: the allegations — and the furious government response — have injected new volatility into an already combustible political climate.