State Security Service opens investigation into BBC’s public information on crime

“The State Security Service has initiated an investigation into the BBC’s public reporting on crime,” the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) stated in a recent announcement.

According to the SSSG, the purpose of the investigation is to thoroughly examine the sources behind the interviews and statements that formed the basis of the information disseminated by the BBC, and to assess the relevance and accuracy of this material.

“As of today, we can only confirm as an established fact that the disseminated material appears to contain signs of a crime. If verified, this crime poses a threat to the lives and health of citizens, significantly infringes upon their legitimate interests and those of society, and, on the other hand, demonstrates signs of a serious offence that harms Georgia’s national interests, its international reputation, and aims to undermine state security.

Accordingly, we have launched an investigation under Article 333 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to abuse of official authority, and Article 319, which relates to aiding a foreign organisation in hostile activities. The investigation will proceed along all possible avenues, and we will regularly provide the public with detailed, comprehensive updates on its progress,” the State Security Service’s statement concludes.

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.