Kobakhidze Says MIA Had Substances with UN3439 Code, But Not “Camite”

Irakli Kobakhidze stated at a press conference today that a water cannon contained a substance, noting that “the main thing is whether this substance was prohibited or not.”

Regarding the information on the use of “camite,” the BBC spoke about it in an assertive manner. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already confirmed that not only was this substance not used, but it was also never purchased by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including during the United National Movement party regime. This is what we can now state. An investigation is underway, the State Security Service is conducting this investigation, all details regarding the powder will be made public,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.

According to the Prime Minister of Georgian Dream, the statements made by the current and former Ministers of Internal Affairs about the substances (bromobenzyl cyanide (“camite”) and trichloroethylene) mentioned in the BBC investigative report do not contradict each other.

“These substances that they are discussing, the Ministry of Internal Affairs indeed purchased and used them, but only until 2012. If I am not mistaken, the last time they were bought was in 2009 or 2010. After this, MIA has neither purchased nor used them. I can confirm this with full responsibility that UNM dug up a hidden story,” stated former Minister of Internal Affairs Gomelauri. His comment was broadcast on 1 December by the propaganda TV company “Pirveli”. The following day, the current Minister of MIA, Gela (Geka) Geladze, practically denied Gomelauri’s statement.

Vakhtang Gomelauri mentioned that the substances discussed by specific individuals were purchased in 2009. He did not confirm that the substance “camite” was used. Later, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Gela Geladze, clearly stated to the public that the substance “camite” was not used. Therefore, there is no contradiction between these two statements. Overall, Mr Vakhtang Gomelauri indicated that these substances, in the form of powder, were purchased in 2009, along with all their ingredients. As for Mr Geladze, he said that this powder did not contain “camite”. As a result, the BBC has already been caught in a very blatant lie," Kobakhidze said.

The journalist asked Kobakhidze whether the state had purchased substances under the UN3439 code.

“It is under that code, of course. It was non-prohibited substances that were subject to procurement, of course,” Kobakhidze said.

Furthermore, Irakli Kobakhidze did not rule out the possibility that substances under UN3439 were used during the dispersal of the November-December 2024 protests.

It would most likely be, of course. This powder was purchased. I repeat once again, the code provides no information. There are dozens of substances under the code, most of which are not prohibited. 

“It has already been established through appropriate procedures that the substance “camite” was not contained in this powder. It is simpler to exclude one substance than to identify the entire spectrum. “camite” has already been ruled out. The investigation will proceed, and each substance contained in this powder will be identified. This information will be presented to the public.”

To the question of whether he could rule out that other prohibited substances existing under the UN3439 code were also not used, Kobakhidze said:

I believe that, most probably, MIA would examine what kind of powder Vano Merabishvili purchased at the time. However, this is my assumption. It is better to wait for the official investigation and its findings. It would not be serious to get ahead of the investigation and tell you how many prohibited or non-prohibited substances were used," Irakli Kobakhidze said and ruled out the issue of Georgian Dream's possible political responsibility.

In 2009, a certain powder, a dissolving powder, was purchased by Vano Merabishvili. Of course, we can discuss the obligation to verify. However, still, in theory, if anyone can be held responsible in such a case, it is Vano Merabishvili, because if such a thing is established, it turns out that he knowingly purchased a specific powder," Kobakhidze noted.

“When Water Burns: The Fight for Georgia” - The BBC World Service released a journalistic investigation with this title on November 30. The journalists obtained evidence indicating that the Georgian Dream government mixed a prohibited chemical substance into water cannons used against its own citizens.

The BBC managed to obtain a copy of the inventory from the Special Tasks Department, dated December 2019. Journalists found that it listed two unnamed chemicals, named “Chemical liquid UN1710” and “Chemical powder UN3439,” along with instructions for mixing.

UN1710 stands for trichloroethylene (TCE). It allows other chemical compounds to dissolve in water. UN3439 was much harder to identify since, as the BBC explains, it is an umbrella code for a whole range of industrial chemicals, all of which are hazardous. The only one of these that the BBC found to have ever been used as a riot-control agent is bromobenzyl cyanide.

After reviewing the BBC's evidence—medical research, witness statements, interviews with whistleblowers, and human rights reports—a leading expert in toxicology and chemical weapons, Professor Christopher Holstege of the University of Virginia, concluded that the substance used was bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as “camite.”

“Camite” was first used as a chemical weapon by French forces in World War I and was soon withdrawn from use because of the long-lasting effects of exposure.

The Georgian Dream government denies the BBC's information and warns of legal action against the British broadcaster.