UPDATE: Reports are emerging that the Georgian government may have deployed camite chemical weapons against protesters, raising urgent concerns over human rights violations. The Trump administration is being urged to pressure Tbilisi for a thorough investigation into these allegations, which could have significant implications for international law and the ongoing political crisis in Georgia.
Last year, mass protests erupted in Tbilisi after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a halt to EU-Atlantic integration efforts, prompting widespread public outcry. Investigations into the alleged use of camite—a chemical agent developed during World War I—are crucial, as eyewitness accounts and medical reports indicate that protesters experienced severe and persistent health effects.
The BBC has reported that evidence suggests the Georgian government may have mixed camite with water, deploying it against tens of thousands of demonstrators through water cannons. Victims have reported symptoms lasting weeks, pointing to the use of a substance far more dangerous than standard crowd-control agents.
In December 2022, over 900 Georgian doctors demanded transparency from the government regarding the chemicals used, receiving no response. The potential deployment of camite, which can cause chemical burns and respiratory failure, raises alarms, especially since it is not classified for use in riot control under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Authorities initially deflected responsibility, with security services opening investigations into those raising concerns rather than addressing the allegations. This move has ignited further outrage among the public, particularly given Georgia’s history with chemical agents used against civilians during the brutal Soviet crackdown in April 1989, when dozens were killed.
As Georgia marks one year since the mass protests, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The government’s crackdown has intensified, with new penalties including fines of up to $1,700 for road closures and criminal charges for “repeat protesting,” which can lead to prison terms of up to two years.
The ruling party’s alignment with Russia has deepened, as evidenced by new laws resembling Moscow’s “foreign agents” legislation, aimed at freezing accounts and discrediting U.S.-funded organizations. Courts have been increasingly compromised, delivering predetermined outcomes that serve the interests of those in power.
Opposition parties are calling for international intervention, urging the United States to exert pressure on Georgian authorities for an independent investigation into the use of chemical weapons. Protesters remain on the streets, demanding accountability and freedom of expression in a climate of repression.
With no independent authority available to investigate these claims, the international community’s involvement is critical. Washington holds the unique ability to influence the Georgian government’s actions, particularly in addressing human rights abuses and halting its drift toward authoritarianism.
As this situation unfolds, the urgency for clarity and accountability has never been more apparent. The implications of these allegations could resonate beyond Georgia’s borders, impacting international norms surrounding the use of chemical weapons and the protection of civil rights.
Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue as calls for accountability grow louder.
