Georgian FM on BBC report: disinformation aims to damage Georgia’s reputation, undermine its stability

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday emphasised that the BBC article alleging the use of World War I-era chemical weapons by the Georgian Government posed risks not only to the country’s international reputation but also to its stability and security.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili underlined the importance of a thorough investigation by the State Security Service into the article, highlighting that disinformation campaigns could have wide-ranging implications for national stability.

“It is very good that the State Security Service immediately launched an investigation, because the goal of such disinformation campaigns is not only to damage our country’s reputation, but it is also directly related to our country’s stability and security. Therefore, it is important that the investigation be carried out thoroughly”, the FM said.

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.