The US Helsinki Commission expressed grave concern over a BBC investigation into the use of chemical weapons by Georgia's ruling party to suppress peaceful protests last year. This was stated in a statement released by the organization's chairman and Senator Roger Wicker, co-chair Joe Wilson, and commission members Sheldon Whitehouse and Steve Cohen.
The text notes that the use of this chemical agent against demonstrators resulted in burns and long-term health problems, thereby violating the Georgian authorities' human rights commitments.
"This behavior places Georgian Dream on par with the corrupt regimes of Russia and China, which fear their own people and are willing to do anything to cling to power," the statement's authors assert.
They also call on the US government to re-examine the data published by the British Broadcasting Corporation and impose sanctions against those responsible for the use of chemical weapons. Furthermore, the congressmen reminded their colleagues of the need to pass the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act, "which will give the State Department additional tools to support the Georgian people's fight for freedom."
As a reminder, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) published a report alleging that the Georgian authorities used the chemical weapon "Kamit" during the suppression of pro-European protests in Tbilisi in 2024. The investigation is based on testimonies from demonstrators protesting the government's decision to suspend the country's European integration process: they complained of "scalding water," as well as shortness of breath, coughing, and vomiting that lasted for weeks. After speaking with chemical weapons experts, representatives of the Georgian special forces, and medical professionals, the journalists concluded that the aforementioned substance was used.
Georgian authorities, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Interior Minister Geka Geladze, deny using "kamit" to disperse protests. In response to their statements, several local NGOs demanded the release of a list of the substances used.
The Georgian Dream party claims that the accusations against the government are based on the stories of interested parties and have no basis in reality. In connection with the public accusations, the State Security Service of Georgia has launched an investigation under two articles: Article 333 of the Criminal Code (abuse of power) and Article 319 (assistance to foreign organizations in hostile activities).
