Security expert warns investigation impossible on alleged Gov’t use of toxic substance during rallies without access to materials

Security expert Andro Gotsiridze has warned that “without an official invitation and access to materials, no one will be able to investigate anything” in relation to the recent protest crackdown in Georgia.

He said a credible international inquiry would require the government to formally invite external investigators and provide full access to relevant documents, but he feared the authorities may not take these steps.

Gotsiridze cited past experience, noting that after the 2019 ‘Gavrilov Night’ clashes, the government initially refused to acknowledge human rights violations, highlighting the importance of transparency for any effective investigation.

He stressed that while an international probe was essential, the lack of cooperation from the authorities could prevent meaningful scrutiny.