Concerns are rising over allegations that the Georgian government may have employed camite chemical weapons against protesters during demonstrations last year. Citizens took to the streets in Tbilisi after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a halt to the nation’s integration with the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance. This decision ignited widespread protests, leading to reports suggesting the potential use of chemical agents against demonstrators.
Allegations of Chemical Weapon Deployment
According to findings from the BBC, there is a possibility that the Georgian authorities mixed camite with water and deployed it via water cannons on crowds numbering in the tens of thousands. While these claims remain unverified, evidence collected from victims, medical reports indicating prolonged symptoms, and testimonies from former riot police suggest exposure to a substance significantly more harmful than typical crowd-control agents.
Last December, over 900 Georgian doctors formally requested the government to disclose the nature of the substances used during the protests, following reports of persistent health issues among those affected. The government has yet to provide any response.
Camite, known as bromobenzyl cyanide, was originally developed by the French military during World War I but was later abandoned due to its severe and lasting effects. Unlike contemporary tear gas, which provides only temporary discomfort, camite can cause chemical burns, respiratory distress, and even life-threatening conditions. Its use against civilians today would likely violate international law.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
While the Georgian government has acknowledged the existence of a chemical agent with such potency, officials attempted to deflect responsibility, claiming it was acquired during a previous administration. Instead of investigating the alleged deployment of camite, authorities have opened inquiries into those raising concerns about its use. This response has resonated deeply in Georgia, a country sensitive to the historical use of chemical agents against its citizens.
In April 1989, Soviet troops violently dispersed peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi, reportedly using toxic gas similar to camite. This tragic event resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory of the nation. As Georgia approaches the one-year anniversary of recent mass protests, the political climate continues to deteriorate, with the government increasingly aligning itself with Russian interests.
The crackdown on dissent has intensified; hundreds were detained in the initial week of protests, many reporting police brutality and violence from government-affiliated groups. New laws have introduced fines up to $1,700 for road closures and criminal charges for repeated protesting, potentially resulting in prison terms of up to two years. The space for free speech is diminishing, as criticism of government officials now carries legal repercussions.
The ruling party has also enforced a controversial “foreign agents” law, targeting organizations funded by the United States and restricting their financial operations. Institutions that should uphold democratic norms increasingly operate under the influence of the ruling party, raising concerns about the lack of independent authority to investigate the potential use of camite.
As opposition parties call upon the international community to exert pressure on the Georgian government, protesters remain undeterred in their demand for accountability. Many believe that only the United States can effectively influence Tbilisi to uphold freedom of expression and halt the growing partnership with China, which the prime minister has described as an “exemplary superstate.”
In an environment where government actions increasingly resemble authoritarian rule, the call for an independent investigation into the alleged chemical weapon use has become crucial. Without external intervention, there are fears that the cycle of repression will continue, leaving the Georgian people to face the consequences alone.
