“The State Security Service (SSSG), within the scope of its investigation, has answered all questions; there are no further rumours or speculation,” stated Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

According to Darakhvelidze, it has been definitively proven that the allegations made in the BBC investigation were outright falsehoods, containing no truth whatsoever.

“As has been reiterated many times, the State Security Service conducted a comprehensive and meticulous investigation. Over 160 investigative procedures were carried out, approximately 90 individuals were questioned, examinations were conducted, and all relevant documentation was reviewed, all of which was necessary for the thorough investigation of this matter. It has been confirmed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs acted in accordance with the law. There is no evidence to support claims that prohibited substances containing ‘camite’, a substance banned since World War I, were used.

The State Security Service, within the framework of its investigation, has answered all questions. Consequently, there is no room for further speculation. It has been conclusively demonstrated that the claims presented in the BBC investigation were complete fabrications and bear no truth at all,” Darakhvelidze asserted.

According to the Deputy Minister of Interior, the State Security Service has also published detailed information, providing clarity on all the substances referenced.

“The investigation includes comprehensive documentation related to the purchase and use of the mentioned substances. Furthermore, the Service has released detailed data concerning the substances purchased between 2007 and 2009. Therefore, there are no remaining questions on this matter,” concluded Aleksandre Darakhvelidze.

For context: The BBC has recently published an investigative report titled: WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests. The BBC alleges the use of chemical weapons from the First World War, citing paediatrician Konstantine Chakhunashvili, former head of the Special Task Force Lasha Shergelashvili, and expert Prof Christopher Holstege as sources. Respondents also include Eka Gigauri and Giorgi Bachiashvili. In the report, Lasha Shergelashvili states that, “in his opinion, this is the same substance he was asked to test for in a water cannon in 2009.” Furthermore, the BBC states that “the Georgian authorities said our investigation findings were ‘absurd’ and the police had acted legally in response to the ‘illegal actions of brutal criminals’”.

According to the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), the substance “bromobenzyl cyanide”, also known as “camite”, was never purchased by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Furthermore, none of the substances used for crowd control at the rally on December 4-5, 2024, is classified as a prohibited substance.

Additionally, the SSSG stated that all investigative measures regarding the false claim of “camite” use have been completed. The investigation is now continuing into the potential crime of aiding a foreign organisation in hostile activities.