MP Machavariani urges critical thinking among those who believe use of WW1 chemical weapons in Georgia

“I sincerely advise those who have been led to believe that the government used chemical weapons from the First World War against protesters to start thinking more critically,” writes MP Levan Machavariani, a member of the parliamentary majority, on social media.

MP Levan Machavariani commented on the BBC’s recent publication 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’”.

“Unfortunately, today, yet another addition has been made to yesterday’s list: those who have been led to believe that the authorities used chemical weapons from the First World War against protesters (as spread by the BBC). I sincerely advise you to start thinking more critically,” Machavariani concludes.