New State Minister Mdinaradze rejects criticism over new powers, dismisses Camite allegations as ‘absurd’

Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies Mamuka Mdinaradze has rejected criticism from opposition groups and non-governmental organisations regarding his new role, while also dismissing allegations linked to the alleged use of poisonous agent Camite against anti-government protests in 2024. 

Speaking on Friday, Mdinaradze criticised the opposition United National Movement and affiliated NGOs, accusing them of sending contradictory messages about his appointment.

He said critics had initially described the position as merely formal, before later arguing that it granted him excessive authority.

Mdinaradze also claimed his role did not involve direct control over institutions such as the Prosecutor’s Office or the State Audit Office, despite what he said were suggestions made by critics.

He argued that coordination and communication functions within government structures should not be interpreted as direct leadership over independent bodies.

Mdinaradze also addressed allegations surrounding Camite, which involved BBC claims that prohibited chemical substances had been allegedly used against protesters.

He said investigators from the State Security Service of Georgia concluded that the allegations lacked credibility after examining the details of the case.

According to Mdinaradze, later claims focused on trichloroethylene, which critics alleged had been mixed with water and used against demonstrators.

He argued that the accusations were scientifically implausible, claiming that the substance does not dissolve in water due to its density.

Mdinaradze said the authorities quickly determined that the allegations could not be treated seriously and added that the Georgian state was prepared to challenge the claims through international legal mechanisms.