Physician Konstantine Chakhunashvili on BBC report: within the scope of the research, we did not have information that a specific agent was used

Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a physician and active participant in opposition rallies whose father took part in the 4 October Government overthrow attempt, on Tuesday commented on a recent BBC article, stating that the research team had no knowledge that any specific chemical agent had been used in the incident referenced by the broadcaster.

In his remarks, Chakhunashvili noted that within the scope of the research, they did not have information about what additives were used in the tear gas during the protests, adding that he was not thoroughly familiar with the literature on the composition and effects of Camite.

“Our questionnaire was launched on January 9. The findings were based on subjective data, which generally provide a lower level of evidence compared to objective medical evidence, such as laboratory analysis”, Chakhunashvili said.

“Today, the emphasis is being placed on the fact that a specific agent was used, but within the scope of our research, we did not have this information initially. It is being suggested that this story emerged based on our findings. I personally was not fully familiar with the literature regarding Camite’s composition, antidote, and effects. Therefore, more competent specialists would be better positioned to answer these questions”, he continued.

Chakhunashvili concluded by emphasising that if the agent mentioned by the BBC - based on information from their sources - “was indeed used”, this was a serious problem.

“Naturally, international health bodies and medical professionals should become involved”, he said.

The British outlet BBC published an investigative article alleging that the water cannon used during the 2024 protests likely contained a toxic chemical agent known as Camite - bromobenzyl cyanide.

One of the pieces of evidence cited by the BBC was the research conducted by Chakhunashvili.