The Georgian government has been accused of using a potent and banned chemical, camite (bromobenzyl cyanide), as a riot control agent during protests in Tbilisi last year. The claims have sparked international concern, with the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, calling for an investigation into allegations that police used the chemical to disperse protesters.
According to reports, camite was found in the water cannon vehicles used by Georgian riot police during the protests, which were characterized as "brutal" and "excessive" by human rights groups. The chemical is considered a strong irritant and can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin burns.
The use of camite has been condemned by international observers, who have accused the government of violating human rights laws and subjecting protesters to experimental treatment. The Georgian authorities have denied allegations that they used the chemical, calling them "deeply frivolous" and "absurd".
The protests in Tbilisi, which began in response to allegations of election rigging and increasing authoritarianism, continued in recent weeks despite a significant increase in police presence and tougher measures against demonstrators.
Camite is considered a banned chemical under international law, and its use as a riot control agent has been largely phased out in favor of safer alternatives. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, has called for an investigation into allegations that police used camite to disperse protesters, and has warned that the use of such chemicals can lead to "serious harm" and "severe suffering".
According to reports, camite was found in the water cannon vehicles used by Georgian riot police during the protests, which were characterized as "brutal" and "excessive" by human rights groups. The chemical is considered a strong irritant and can cause severe health effects, including respiratory problems and skin burns.
The use of camite has been condemned by international observers, who have accused the government of violating human rights laws and subjecting protesters to experimental treatment. The Georgian authorities have denied allegations that they used the chemical, calling them "deeply frivolous" and "absurd".
The protests in Tbilisi, which began in response to allegations of election rigging and increasing authoritarianism, continued in recent weeks despite a significant increase in police presence and tougher measures against demonstrators.
Camite is considered a banned chemical under international law, and its use as a riot control agent has been largely phased out in favor of safer alternatives. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, has called for an investigation into allegations that police used camite to disperse protesters, and has warned that the use of such chemicals can lead to "serious harm" and "severe suffering".