Georgia Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Use of ‘Experimental’ Camite Weapon on Protesters

GEORGIA : The Georgian government is facing severe international pressure after a BBC investigation presented compelling evidence that state authorities deployed a potent, obsolete chemical agent—Bromobenzyl Cyanide, or “Camite”—against thousands of anti-government protesters last year.

The use of this World War I-era compound, which is far more irritating and persistent than standard CS tear gas, has drawn the attention of international bodies, who suggest it could violate international human rights law.

The anti-government demonstrations began on 28 November 2024, sparked by the ruling party’s controversial move to pause European Union accession talks, a goal enshrined in the country’s constitution.

According to chemical weapons experts consulted by the BBC, using an obsolete and highly potent agent when safer, conventional riot-control measures are available could lead to the agent being classified as a chemical weapon.

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, who has previously corresponded with the Georgian government regarding police violence during the protests, voiced her concern about the findings.

Ms. Edwards stressed the lack of strict regulation regarding chemicals used in water cannons is deeply troubling. “It does lead me to consider [this practice] as an experimental weapon,” she stated. “And populations should never be subjected to experiments. This is absolutely in violation of human rights law.”

Under international law, riot control measures must only produce temporary effects. Victims of the water cannons reported debilitating symptoms lasting over a month, including chronic coughing, vomiting, and cardiac abnormalities. Ms. Edwards emphasized that these effects “are beyond what would be considered temporary and acceptable,” and should be investigated “under the rubric of torture or other ill-treatment.”

The investigation, which compiled testimony from victims, a peer-reviewed medical study by Dr. Konstantine Chakhunashvili, and confirmation from high-level police whistleblowers, paints a picture of deliberate use of a dangerous deterrent.

Former police officer Lasha Shergelashvili testified that he tested the compound for water cannon use in 2009 and recommended against it due to its powerful, non-dissipating effects. He confirmed his suspicion when watching footage of the 2024 protests, believing the same chemical was deployed.

In response to the BBC’s findings, Georgia’s authorities vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “deeply frivolous” and “absurd.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs maintained that law enforcement personnel acted “within the bounds of the law and constitution” in response to “illegal actions of brutal criminals.”

Despite the government increasing fines and jail terms, anti-government demonstrations have persisted, with protesters calling for the resignation of a government they accuse of pursuing pro-Russian interests and undermining civil society.