GYLA slams Georgian Gov’t’s alleged use of chemical agents against protesters

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association on Friday criticised the government over its alleged use of unidentified chemical agents to disperse peaceful protesters during a wave of demonstrations that began in late November 2024, following the decision by the Georgian Dream authorities to delay the country’s EU integration until 2028.

In its report, GYLA condemned the Ministry of Internal Affairs for employing tear gas and other chemical irritants - some mixed into high-pressure water cannon - against demonstrators. The group described the methods as "illegal" and warned that their use posed serious risks to public health.

GYLA said it formally requested information about the chemical substances used by law enforcement in a public letter submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 28 January 2025. However, the ministry has not responded. A parallel inquiry addressed to the Ministry of Health also failed to clarify the matter. In its 19 February response, the Health Ministry said it had not requested information from the Interior Ministry, citing "a lack of need."

“The composition of the chemical substances used remains unknown, even to the medical professionals who treated affected protesters,” GYLA said.

The report detailed “alarming health consequences” experienced by protest participants. Victims reported severe respiratory distress, skin burns, and long-term symptoms that required intensive medical care, it claimed. Some individuals were unable to return to work or carry out daily activities for extended periods due to lasting effects.

According to GYLA, many protesters exposed to tear gas in November and December 2024 described it as significantly more painful and intense than what was used during previous demonstrations earlier in the year. Social media users have continued to share accounts of prolonged medical issues related to the chemical exposure.

The report also accused police of violating international standards by deploying tear gas in confined areas, repeatedly targeting the same locations, and firing gas canisters into densely packed crowds. “These tactics created the risk of a stampede and caused extreme disorientation,” GYLA noted. In some instances, protesters were reportedly trapped in areas filled with gas, unable to escape due to blocked exits or crowd pressure.

Additionally, law enforcement officers allegedly used water cannons laced with unknown chemical irritants - a practice condemned by both Amnesty International and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Witnesses said even indirect exposure to the chemically treated water caused intense burning sensations.

“This violates law enforcement’s obligation to minimise harm,” GYLA stated. “The use of these methods amounts, in some cases, to ill-treatment.”

To date, no officials have been held accountable for the actions of security forces. GYLA expressed concern that the Georgian Dream government’s use of such tactics represented a broader effort to suppress freedoms of assembly and expression.

“It is particularly alarming that the government resorted to such illegal and dangerous measures against peaceful citizens,” the group said. “This once again highlights the systematic, organised, and criminal nature of actions against democratic rights.”