The State Security Service of Georgia launched an investigation in response to information about an alleged crime circulated in the public domain by the BBC.

"The investigation aims to determine in detail the basis of the information used by the BBC, including the interviews and claims provided by the individuals featured in the report, as well as the relevance and credibility of these statements.

As of today, the only established fact is that, on the one hand, the material published contains indications of a crime which, if confirmed, is directed against the lives and health of citizens and represents a significant violation of their lawful interests and those of society. On the other hand, it contains signs of a crime that severely harms Georgia`s national interests, its international image and reputation, and is directed against state interests.

The investigation has been initiated under Article 333 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to abuse of official authority, and Article 319, which concerns assisting a foreign organization in hostile activities. Investigators will examine all possible directions, will periodically update society with detailed and comprehensive information as the inquiry progresses", - reads the statement.

The BBC published today an article alleging that the Georgian Dream Government used a World War I-era chemical agent during recent protests.