Georgian Interior Minister: no harmful substances used by Police during protests, Camite never purchased in Georgia

The widespread allegation that the Ministry of Internal Affairs used a banned substance, known as Camite, against participants in protests is “complete nonsense”, Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze told journalists.

The Minister emphasised that he personally reviewed all procurement documentation related to this matter and can state with full responsibility that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has never purchased Camite in Georgia.

“No substance that could endanger people’s health was used by the Ministry during the protests. All materials employed in dispersing various demonstrations were legally purchased from major companies and are approved in leading countries worldwide”, Geladze said.

He also noted that all relevant expert analyses will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation, and witnesses will be questioned to ensure that every question is addressed.

In a related development, the ruling Georgian Dream party is initiating legal proceedings against the BBC in international courts.

Additionally, the State Security Service has opened an investigation into information published by the BBC in the public domain concerning alleged criminal activity.