Georgia to seek accountability from BBC over alleged false reports, PM

Georgia’s government plans to hold the BBC accountable for allegedly spreading false information, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said at a briefing at the Government Administration.

“Alongside the ongoing investigation, we plan to appeal to the UK communications regulator and, if required, to international justice so that the BBC is held accountable and refutes false claims allegedly originating from special services,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the “false reports” concerned the alleged use of the chemical substance Camite against anti-government demonstrators last year, which he stressed was never procured or used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, even during the tenure of the previous government.

Kobakhidze criticized the BBC for relying on statements from a local doctor and his family, calling the report “a large-scale falsehood” and expressing regret that a broadcaster of its reputation would disseminate such misinformation.