Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a physician, participant in the protest rallies, responds to the recent BBC article. As he said, within the scope of the research, they didn’t 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.

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.

If the agent mentioned by the BBC - based on information from their sources - was indeed used, this is a serious problem… Naturally, international health bodies and medical professionals should become involved”, - said Konstantine Chakhunashvili.

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