“We are facing a serious potential crime, as chemical weapons prohibited by law were used against peaceful protesters. This issue requires a thorough investigation,” stated Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

When asked whether the Helsinki Commission’s call for sanctions is justified, Sharashidze responded:

“Everything would be logical. If a serious crime is confirmed, not only sanctions but even far more severe measures could be applied to those responsible. First of all, an investigation is necessary — but not a local one, which the public does not trust. We need a credible, reputable, and authoritative investigation whose conclusions will be unquestionable.

Georgian Dream has investigated nothing regarding the rallies of this period, neither misconduct nor direct crimes committed by police against peaceful demonstrators. Not a single officer was punished, and not a single case was initiated. You know very well how peaceful young people — and not only young people — were beaten, nearly to death. Therefore, it would not be surprising if Georgian Dream again fails to investigate anything or conduct an investigation tailored to its needs. This is why an independent investigation is essential.”

For context, the U.S. Helsinki Commission issued a press release stating that “Recent findings that Georgian Dream used a chemical weapon against peaceful protestors last year are deeply disturbing. We call on the U.S. government and our democratic allies to verify these reports and impose relevant sanctions on those responsible.”