Georgian Parliament official: Georgia will defend its interests in unprecedented court case against BBC

Maia Bitadze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Environment Protection and Natural Resources Committee, on Tuesday announced that Georgia would take legal action against the BBC over its article claiming that the Georgian Government used World War I-era chemical weapons during protests.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Bitadze condemned the BBC article as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Georgia’s international reputation and overshadow the ongoing opposition leader Aleko Elisashvili case.

“Since yesterday, we have once again witnessed the scale and sheer absurdity of the campaign being conducted against Georgia. This issue can be assessed as even more absurd considering that, on one hand, we hear concern from the EU spokesperson, and on the other hand, a demand for an investigation. In response, naturally, the reaction from the State Security Service was prompt and included the initiation of an investigation”, she said.

The official emphasised that Georgia would undoubtedly defend its interests before international justice and hold the disseminators of this information accountable for the significant reputational damage caused.

“This will be an unprecedented court case, where Georgia will strive to protect its interests. It is unacceptable for such accusations to be broadcast with such large-scale informational coverage and used to shape a new agenda”, Bitadze concluded.

The BBC published an investigative article claiming that the Georgian authorities deployed a chemical substance dating back to World War I during protests in 2024.

The Georgian Government rejected the allegations and announced legal proceedings against the BBC in international courts.

Additionally, the Georgian State Security Service launched an investigation into information disseminated in the public sphere regarding an alleged crime connected to the claim.

Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a physician and active participant in opposition rallies whose father took part in the 4 October Government overthrow attempt, cited in the BBC report, was also summoned for questioning.