PM Kobakhidze: UK must apologise for 'false' BBC report

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the United Kingdom “must apologise” for what he described as a false BBC report, adding that his government will file a complaint with Ofcom and, if necessary, pursue the matter in court.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze accused the BBC - the UK’s publicly funded broadcaster - of spreading disinformation and attempting to create an “artificial scandal”.

“I believe the UK should apologise for the false story broadcast by its public service broadcaster. Since the BBC is financed directly by public funds, the first thing the UK must do is apologise for the false report they aired,” Kobakhidze said.

He insisted the government had provided full transparency regarding the police operation at the centre of the BBC’s reporting, noting that the investigation remained classified but that any international body could request information from Tbilisi.

“We have stated openly that any international actor may request information about this investigation. We will share everything,” he said, adding that details about the substances used during the dispersal of protesters had already been made public by the State Security Service.

Kobakhidze said five people had reported mild intoxication and were discharged the following day, arguing that this proved no chemical agents were used. He compared the situation with the aftermath of 9 April 1989, when Soviet forces used chemical substances against demonstrators, resulting in widespread hospitalisation.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the government will submit a complaint to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, and pursue legal action “if necessary”.

“We will use every legal avenue to ensure the BBC is held accountable and apologises for the lie it disseminated,” he said.