Georgian Parliament official pledges legal action against BBC over Camite allegations

Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, on Friday confirmed that Georgian authorities had filed a formal complaint against the BBC and were prepared to pursue all legal avenues, including domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights to defend Georgia’s reputation.

In his remarks, Gorduladze criticised the BBC film as a “cascade of falsehoods”, claiming it violated multiple journalistic standards and was designed to create politically motivated narratives against Georgia.

“This is a cascade of falsehoods that we saw in the BBC film. There is not a single standard that the BBC did not violate. They wanted to create a narrative that would then be used for political insinuations and an attack on Georgia. This sea of lies does not withstand criticism. The issue is based on the opinions of Chakhunashvili, Bachiashvili, and other individuals. They wanted to create the perception that Camite was used in Georgia”, he said.

“I cannot understand how there can be a citizen in Georgia who, upon hearing that the authorities are accused of such an extremely serious crime, does not even express basic outrage, agrees with it, and then recalls that a year ago their parrot lost feathers or their dog got angry at its owner. If this weapon had been used in Georgia, believe me, there would have been many fatal consequences”, Gorduladze continued.

The official stressed that it was crucial for Georgia’s innocence to be acknowledged internationally.

“It is essential that the BBC’s falsehoods be confirmed as such at the international level as well, just as the innocence of the Georgian state was confirmed in the cases of Rustavi 2, Melia, and Gvaramia. We must try every mechanism to prove our truth legally as well, given that appropriate procedures exist”, he noted.

“We have filed a complaint with the BBC. If it is not upheld, the review will continue at the local communications bureau. If it is not upheld there either, then in court. After that, we reserve the right to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights as well. We will use every means to ensure that the voice of our truth is heard on all platforms”, Gorduladze concluded.

The ruling Georgian Dream party filed an official complaint with the BBC, said on Thursday the Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

As he noted, the complaint demanded the removal of the BBC film and related materials from relevant platforms, which alleged that the ruling Georgian Dream party used chemical weapons dating back to World War I during a protest rally in 2024, as well as a public and clear apology from the BBC.

The State Security Service of Georgia has rejected the allegations, stating that the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not use “Camite” during protest dispersals and that Georgia has never possessed or acquired the substance.