The allegations surrounding the use of chemical agents against protesters in Georgia have ignited a call for international scrutiny, particularly from the United States. Protesters took to the streets last year after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it would halt the country’s integration with the European Union and deepen ties with Russia.
Reports indicate that the Georgian government may have deployed camite, a potent chemical weapon, against demonstrators. This substance, also known as bromobenzyl cyanide, was purportedly mixed with water and sprayed on crowds via water cannons. While unconfirmed, evidence from victims and medical records suggest serious and prolonged symptoms that differ significantly from conventional crowd-control agents.
In December 2022, over 900 Georgian doctors petitioned the government to clarify the materials used against protesters, as many exhibited lasting health issues. To date, they have received no response. Camite, developed during World War I, is not used by modern police forces due to its severe health risks, which include respiratory failure and chemical burns. The deployment of such a substance against civilians would contravene international law.
Despite acknowledging that security forces might possess such a chemical agent, the government has deflected responsibility, claiming it was acquired under a previous administration. Rather than investigating the allegations of chemical weapon use, authorities have launched inquiries into those who raised concerns.
The memory of past violence is palpable in Georgia, particularly the tragic events of April 1989, when Soviet troops used similar tactics to disperse peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. As the nation marks the anniversary of last year’s protests, public sentiment is charged. Hundreds were detained during the demonstrations, many alleging police brutality. New laws enacted since then impose hefty fines for protesting and criminalize repeated demonstrations, leading to further dissent against the ruling party.
The space for free speech is shrinking. Criticism of government officials has become increasingly risky, with laws mirroring Russian policies aimed at discrediting foreign-funded organizations. Courts, perceived to lean towards the Georgian Dream, frequently produce predetermined outcomes, undermining the judiciary’s independence. Opposition parties have been targeted, with several leaders arrested under vague charges.
In this climate of repression, the call for an independent investigation into the allegations of chemical weapon use has intensified. Opposition figures urge the international community, particularly Washington, to exert pressure on the Georgian government to ensure accountability and protect civil liberties.
Georgia’s current trajectory towards increased authoritarianism, coupled with the allegations surrounding the use of chemical weapons, presents a complex challenge. The ongoing protests reflect a populace determined to resist repression and demand transparency. As the situation unfolds, the role of international actors may prove crucial in influencing the future of governance in Georgia.
