“The BBC, once a highly reputable broadcaster, is now spreading nonsense,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to journalists.

According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs will soon release detailed information exposing the falsehoods propagated by the BBC.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the BBC, which was once a respected institution, is now disseminating such blatant nonsense.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs and its officials will provide more comprehensive details on this matter, but I can tell you in advance that the information presented by the BBC is entirely false. The BBC cannot be held to the same standards as the unreliable television channels operating in Georgia. However, it is lamentable that these standards appear to be eroded; a simple lie can now be broadcast by the BBC, which is both sad and regrettable. A lie remains a lie, regardless of the context, and when the BBC propagates falsehoods, they must be properly scrutinised. The facts clearly demonstrate that it was a lie. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will soon release detailed information on the falsehoods spread by the BBC.

The fact that the BBC relies on Chakhunashvili’s conclusion already speaks volumes about the broadcaster’s standards. Unfortunately, those standards are alarmingly low. It is well known that both Konstantine Chakhunashvili and his father are active participants in radical rallies; one of them even took part in the storming of the presidential palace. When the BBC bases its reporting on such individuals, it is a tragic reflection of its credibility. There is little more to say on this matter.

Firstly, these substances were purchased in 2009. As for the specific substance mentioned, the material in question does not contain it at all. Therefore, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will clarify in detail the lies circulated by the BBC. The substance may have been mixed into the water jet, but what exactly was mixed is the real issue. The BBC lied precisely on this point,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.

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’”.

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream announced legal action against the BBC in international courts over ‘false’ allegations.

Furthermore, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has initiated an investigation into the BBC’s public reporting on crime.