Former Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri responded to the BBC investigation, stating that the substances referenced in the report “were indeed purchased by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and used, but only until 2012.” His remarks were published by Imedi.
Gomelauri claimed that the last procurement took place in 2009 or 2010. After that, he said, the ministry neither acquired nor used the substances in question, adding that “the UNM dug up a cat.”
“These substances they are talking about were indeed purchased by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and used, but only until 2012. If I’m not mistaken, the last purchase was made in 2009 or 2010. Since then, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has neither purchased nor used them.
“I can say with full responsibility that the UNM dug up a cat!” — Gomelauri stated.
The BBC report alleged that evidence collected by its investigative team indicates that the Georgian authorities used a World War I–era chemical agent last year to disperse anti-government protests. According to the publication, demonstrators protesting the government’s stance on EU integration reported symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting that persisted for weeks.
The BBC interviewed chemical weapons experts, members of Georgian special forces, and medical professionals. Their findings suggested the possible use of a substance known as “Camite,” historically used by the French military.
Image: 1TV
