BREAKING: New reports confirm that Georgia’s government may have deployed the chemical agent camite against protesters, raising urgent concerns over human rights violations. The Trump administration is now urged to pressure Tbilisi for answers as the situation continues to escalate.
Tensions in Tbilisi have surged following allegations that the ruling Georgian Dream party used camite, a dangerous chemical weapon developed during World War I, against tens of thousands of demonstrators last year. The protesters were voicing their opposition to the government’s decision to halt EU-Atlantic integration in favor of closer ties with Russia.
The BBC’s findings suggest that authorities mixed camite with water and sprayed it from water cannons. While these claims remain unconfirmed, medical data indicates severe, prolonged symptoms among victims, pointing to a substance far more harmful than standard crowd-control agents. In December 2022, over 900 Georgian doctors demanded transparency from the government regarding the chemical agents used, but received no response.
Camite, or bromobenzyl cyanide, is notorious for its severe and lasting effects, including chemical burns and respiratory distress. Unlike modern tear gas, which is designed for temporary discomfort, camite poses long-term health risks, and its use against civilians would likely breach international law. Notably, the Georgian security services have opened an investigation not into the alleged use of camite but against those raising concerns, further deepening the crisis.
The somber anniversary of the mass protests marks a year since the Georgian government intensified its authoritarian grip, drawing closer to Russia. In the past year, hundreds of protesters have been detained, many reporting police brutality. New laws impose fines of up to $1,700 for road closures and criminal charges for “repeat protesting,” carrying prison sentences of up to two years.
The climate for free expression is deteriorating rapidly, with online criticism of officials now carrying legal risks. The ruling party has enacted a controversial “foreign agents” law, targeting U.S.-funded organizations and freezing their accounts. Meanwhile, courts aligned with the government have issued predetermined rulings, further undermining judicial independence.
Opposition parties are appealing to the international community for intervention, demanding an independent investigation into the use of camite. The Georgian people are continuing their fight for accountability, but they face an uphill battle against a regime that shows little willingness to address these serious allegations.
Only the Trump administration has the potential to exert real pressure on the Georgian government to halt its descent into authoritarianism and protect freedoms. The international community watches closely, as the implications of these actions could resonate far beyond Georgia’s borders.
As the situation unfolds, the world remains attentive to Georgia’s struggles. The call for accountability grows louder, but will it be heard? Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue.
