WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests – BBC

Report on the Use of Chemical Agents Against Protesters in Georgia and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

An investigation indicates that Georgian authorities deployed a potent, World War One-era chemical agent against anti-government protesters in late 2024. This action raises significant concerns regarding the nation’s commitment to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Health Impacts and Contradiction of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The use of the chemical agent has resulted in severe and prolonged health issues among the civilian population, directly undermining the principles of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Reports from protesters and medical professionals detail a range of debilitating symptoms far exceeding the temporary effects of conventional riot-control agents.

Documented Health Consequences

• Persistent burning sensation on the skin, exacerbated by water.
• Long-term respiratory issues, including shortness of breath and coughing.
• Gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, lasting for weeks.
• Headaches and fatigue.
• A peer-reviewed study of 69 protesters found a “significantly higher prevalence of abnormalities” in the heart’s electrical signals.

Investigation into the Chemical Agent and Institutional Failures

Evidence gathered from whistleblowers, official documents, and expert analysis points to the use of bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as “camite.” The deployment of such a substance and the lack of transparency from authorities represent a severe failure in governance, directly challenging the targets of SDG 16.

Key Investigative Findings

1. Whistleblower Testimony: A former head of weaponry for Georgia’s riot police, Lasha Shergelashvili, confirmed testing a chemical agent in 2009 with effects consistent with those reported by 2024 protesters. He recommended against its use due to its potency and persistence, noting it was “probably 10 times” stronger than conventional agents.
2. Inventory Analysis: A 2019 inventory from the Special Tasks Department lists two chemicals, “Chemical liquid UN1710” and “Chemical powder UN3439.” These codes correspond to trichloroethylene (a solvent) and a category of hazardous chemicals that includes bromobenzyl cyanide (camite).
3. Expert Toxicological Assessment: Professor Christopher Holstege, a chemical weapons expert, concluded that “the clinical findings reported by both those exposed and by other witnesses are consistent with bromobenzyl cyanide.” He noted the persistence of the effects is not consistent with typical crowd dispersal agents.

Implications for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The actions taken by Georgian authorities constitute a direct assault on the core tenets of SDG 16, which calls for peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable institutions.

Erosion of Institutional Accountability and Human Rights

• Lack of Transparency (Target 16.6): The Ministry of Internal Affairs has refused to identify the chemical used, denying public accountability and obstructing justice for those affected.
• Violation of International Law: Weapons experts suggest that using an obsolete and potent agent like camite, given the availability of safer alternatives, could be classified as deploying a chemical weapon. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, stated the long-term symptoms should be investigated “under the rubric of torture or other ill-treatment.”
• Suppression of Civic Participation (Target 16.7): The use of excessive force against demonstrators protesting government policy on EU accession—a goal enshrined in the constitution—undermines responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making.

Official Response and Conclusion

The Georgian government has dismissed the findings as “absurd,” maintaining that law enforcement acted “within the bounds of the law and constitution.” However, the evidence strongly suggests a violation of human rights and a significant setback for the nation’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The use of such a dangerous chemical agent against citizens erodes public trust, compromises public health, and undermines the principles of justice and institutional integrity essential for sustainable development and international partnerships (SDG 17).

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article extensively details the negative health impacts on protesters exposed to a chemical agent. It describes symptoms like a burning sensation on the skin, shortness of breath, coughing, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, and even “abnormalities in the electrical signals in the heart.” This directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, as the actions of the authorities have caused significant physical harm and long-term health issues for the population.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • This goal is central to the article. The use of a potent, obsolete chemical weapon by state police against civilians exercising their right to protest is a clear violation of peace and justice. The article highlights a lack of institutional accountability, as the government refused to identify the chemical and dismissed the investigation’s findings as “absurd.” The entire situation, including the protests against the government’s political decisions and the violent suppression of these protests, points to a breakdown in the relationship between the state and its citizens, undermining the development of peaceful, just, and inclusive institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
     • The article’s core focus is on the illness and long-term health problems caused by a hazardous chemical, identified as likely bromobenzyl cyanide (camite), mixed with water and sprayed on protesters. The documented side effects, such as respiratory issues and heart abnormalities, directly correspond to illnesses resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical.
2. Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
     • The use of a chemical weapon by police against protesters is a form of state-sanctioned violence. The article describes the deliberate use of a harmful agent to “quell anti-government protesters,” which directly contravenes the goal of reducing violence.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     • The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, is quoted stating that the cases “should be investigated, including under the rubric of torture or other ill-treatment.” The government’s refusal to investigate or provide information denies justice to the victims and undermines the rule of law.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     • The Georgian authorities’ actions demonstrate a lack of accountability and transparency. The article states the Ministry of Internal Affairs “refused” to identify the chemical used and officially described the BBC’s findings as “deeply frivolous” and “absurd,” thereby avoiding accountability for the harm caused by its police force.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
     • The protests themselves were an exercise of fundamental freedoms (freedom of assembly and expression). The violent crackdown, using a dangerous chemical, was a direct attack on these freedoms. Furthermore, the government’s refusal to disclose the chemical used is a failure to provide public access to critical information concerning public health and safety.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 3 Targets
   • For Target 3.9: The article provides specific data from Dr. Chakhunashvili’s study that can serve as indicators.
     • Number of people with long-term health effects: The survey found that “almost half” of “nearly 350 people” who responded “had suffered one or more side-effects for more than 30 days.” This provides a quantifiable measure of illness from chemical exposure.
     • Prevalence of specific medical conditions: The examination of 69 individuals found a “significantly higher prevalence of abnormalities in the electrical signals in the heart,” serving as a specific health indicator.
2. Indicators for SDG 16 Targets
   • For Target 16.1:
     • Number of victims of state-perpetrated violence: The survey of nearly 350 affected individuals provides a baseline number of people subjected to physical violence by the state during the protests.
   • For Target 16.3 & 16.6:
     • Lack of official investigation and transparency: The government’s explicit refusal to identify the chemical and its dismissal of the findings serve as a qualitative indicator of a lack of justice, accountability, and transparency. The call for an investigation by the UN Special Rapporteur implies that one is not currently being conducted effectively.
   • For Target 16.10:
     • Restrictions on fundamental freedoms: The article mentions that the government “increased fines and jail terms” to quell the protests. This legislative action is a measurable indicator of the state’s efforts to restrict the freedom of assembly.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com