“An investigative report by an international media outlet confirms that violations occurred during the dispersal of the rallies. This provides a foundation for conducting an international investigation and seeking answers to the questions currently circulating within our society,” stated Tata Khvedeliani, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

According to Khvedeliani, at this stage, the testimonies of individual witnesses hold little significance.

“It does not matter, given how the entire state apparatus of the Georgian Dream has descended into panic. We witnessed the statement of the country’s highest official, the so-called Prime Minister, who confirmed that chemical substances were mixed into the water cannons, something that is strictly prohibited. He began speculating about the necessity of identifying which chemicals were used. This essentially confirms that something unlawful was employed, something that jeopardised the health of many people, and we still do not know the full extent or the results of this incident. Therefore, an international investigation must be carried out.

We will propose the formation of an investigative commission at the upcoming session of the Bureau. This is of utmost importance for several reasons: to provide answers to the questions our people are asking from an international perspective through a transparent investigation, and to prevent such incidents in the future.

Moreover, our country’s reputation has suffered significantly. The international community must understand that we are capable of investigating facts that have had such severe consequences for our citizens. Anyone who opposes the creation of the investigative commission we are calling for effectively shares responsibility for the failure to uncover the truth about these grave events,” Khvedeliani emphasised.

For context, the Gakharia for Georgia party is calling for the establishment of an investigative commission regarding the BBC documentary.