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WW1-Era Chemical Likely Used on Georgian Protesters, BBC Investigation Reveals

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A BBC investigation suggests that Georgian authorities used a World War One–era chemical agent, known as camite, in water cannons during anti-government protests in late 2024. Demonstrators in Tbilisi reported severe burning sensations, difficulty breathing, coughing and vomiting—symptoms that persisted for weeks. Doctors, chemical weapons specialists, and whistleblowers from Georgia’s riot police provided evidence pointing toward the use of this long-discontinued compound, once deployed by France in WW1 and eventually abandoned due to its prolonged harmful effects.

Paediatrician and protester Dr Konstantine Chakhunashvili conducted a survey of nearly 350 affected demonstrators, finding that almost half experienced symptoms lasting more than 30 days. His study, soon to be published in Toxicology Reports, also noted abnormal heart electrical activity among many participants. These findings supported theories from journalists, civil rights groups and medical experts that the water cannon contained more than just irritants like pepper spray or CS gas.

Whistleblowers from Georgia’s Special Tasks Department revealed that the chemical used closely resembles one tested in 2009, which they described as extremely difficult to wash off and far more harmful than standard tear gas. Despite recommendations against its use, they say it continued to be loaded into water cannon vehicles for years. The Georgian government dismissed the BBC’s findings as “absurd,” insisting police acted lawfully against what they called “violent criminals.”

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Georgia Charges Opposition Leaders With Plotting to Overthrow Government

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Georgian prosecutors have filed criminal charges against eight opposition figures, including jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili, accusing them of attempting to topple the government and aiding foreign adversaries. The move follows a recent EU enlargement report that sharply criticised Georgia’s democratic backsliding, warning that its progress toward membership has stalled.

Six of the accused are already serving prison terms on separate charges, while the opposition has denounced the latest case as a politically motivated effort to silence dissent. One of the targeted groups, Strong Georgia, said the ruling Georgian Dream party is trying to impose “a Russian-style dictatorship” and vowed to continue peaceful resistance through legal and political means.

Despite positioning itself as a future EU member, Georgia’s ruling party has maintained close economic ties with Russia and avoided sanctions over the Ukraine war. Critics say billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen as the country’s de facto leader, is driving the authoritarian shift — an accusation both the government and Moscow reject.

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Pregnant UK Teen Bella Culley Freed from Georgian Prison After Plea Deal

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Nineteen-year-old Bella Culley from Billingham, Teesside, has been released from prison in Georgia after facing serious drug trafficking charges that could have led to a 20-year sentence. Culley, who is eight months pregnant, was arrested on 10 May at Tbilisi International Airport when authorities found 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage. She pleaded guilty to trafficking but said she had been forced by gangsters who tortured her while she was in Thailand.

Following months of negotiations, prosecutors made a last-minute change to her plea bargain, considering her young age and pregnancy. Her family also paid £137,000 to reduce her jail term to two years, but the updated deal allowed her to walk free after five months and 24 days in custody. In court, Culley broke into smiles and hugged her lawyer as she realised she was being released.

Leaving the courthouse arm-in-arm with her mother, both emotional and relieved, Bella expressed that she had not expected to be freed so soon. Her family is now working to retrieve her passport so she can return to the UK as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Georgian authorities are also investigating her claims of coercion by criminal groups in Thailand.

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Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Negotiation Suspension, Dozens Hospitalized

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Tbilisi witnessed a third consecutive night of protests as tens of thousands of demonstrators clashed with police outside the Georgian Parliament over the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks. The unrest left 44 people hospitalized, including protesters, police officers, and a journalist. Protesters hurled stones, set off fireworks, and burned an effigy of Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed claims that Georgia’s European integration had been halted, stating that the government rejected “shameful blackmail” that hindered the process. However, the EU criticized Georgia for democratic backsliding and urged authorities to respect peaceful assembly rights. The announcement of the suspension followed a disputed parliamentary election in October, which opposition leaders claim was rigged with Russian interference to maintain Georgia’s alignment with Moscow.

Pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the ruling party’s grip on power, calling Georgia a “quasi-Russian” state. The EU, which had granted Georgia candidate status last year, suspended financial support over concerns about the passage of a controversial “foreign influence” law. The protests have intensified political tensions, with opposition parties demanding new elections under conditions guaranteeing transparency and fairness.

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Georgia parliament overturns veto on foreign agents law

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Georgia’s MPs have overturned a presidential veto on the controversial “transparency on foreign influence” bill, commonly referred to as the “foreign agents law,” after several weeks of protests in Tbilisi. The law mandates that media and NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as “organisations acting in the interest of a foreign power,” undergo stringent audits, or face heavy fines. The vote in a plenary session on Tuesday saw 84 MPs, primarily from the governing Georgian Dream party, in favor, with four votes against and the opposition abstaining.

Thousands of Georgians protested outside parliament, waving Georgian and EU flags. The law, initially passed on May 14 and then vetoed by pro-Western President Salome Zourabishvili, is set to take effect in 60 days. The Georgian government argues that the law will enhance transparency and protect against foreign interference. However, opponents, calling it the “Russian law” due to its similarity to existing Russian legislation, believe it aims to suppress dissent ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.

The EU expressed deep regret over the parliament’s decision, warning that the bill could hinder Georgia’s progress within the bloc. Georgia achieved candidate country status in December 2023. Many NGOs have declared they will not comply with the legislation, describing it as “insulting” and “factually incorrect.”

As MPs debated the bill, protesters gathered outside parliament under heavy police presence. Following the vote, demonstrators shouted “slaves!” and “Russians!” Police have frequently used force against protesters, with reports of beatings and intimidation. Despite this, many demonstrators, predominantly young, continue to protest, viewing their future as dependent on aligning with Europe.

Observers believe the passing of the foreign agents law has become crucial for the survival of Georgian Dream, alienating many traditional partners. The US joined the EU in warning of repercussions, with the US State Department announcing travel restrictions on those undermining democracy in Georgia and their families. However, authorities dismissed these warnings, with Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze asserting that there would be no compromise against national interests.

With limited options left to halt the bill, President Zourabishvili presented a new charter on Monday to move Georgia towards Europe, calling for a new political reality, different elections, and significant reforms to depoliticize the justice system and security services. She invited all opposition parties to sign the charter by June 1 and unite for the parliamentary elections in October.

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Georgia to vote on controversial law that sparked mass protests

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Georgia’s parliament is on the verge of passing a highly controversial “foreign agent” law, despite facing significant opposition from both within and outside the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics of the proposed legislation, often referred to as the “Russia law,” argue that it poses a severe threat to civil liberties within the country.

The bill has sparked weeks of mass protests, with thousands of people gathering near the parliament building to voice their opposition. Protesters fear that if the law is enacted, it could be exploited by the government to suppress dissenting voices and undermine Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has remained steadfast in his support for the bill, vowing that it will pass despite the ongoing protests. He has issued warnings about the consequences of not implementing the law, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine without providing specific details.

President Salome Zurabishvili, although an opponent of Kobakhidze, has expressed her intention to veto the law. However, Georgian Dream holds sufficient parliamentary support to override her veto, indicating that the bill is likely to be approved.

The proposed legislation would require NGOs and independent media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as organizations with foreign interests. They would be subject to government monitoring and could face significant fines if they fail to comply with the regulations outlined in the law. Critics argue that this would create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civil society in Georgia.

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Clashes Erupt in Georgia Over Proposed ‘Foreign Agent’ Bill

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Riot police in Georgia deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting against a proposed bill, which the opposition views as an attack on media freedoms. The clashes erupted outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, where protesters hurled eggs and bottles at the police. Despite the retreat of the crowds, confrontations persisted late into Tuesday evening along Rustaveli Avenue, resulting in several injuries and arrests.

The bill, known as the “foreign agent” legislation, received preliminary approval from lawmakers on April 17th. Introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, it mandates that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and independent media outlets, receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources, register as entities “advancing the interests of a foreign power.” These organizations would be subject to oversight by Georgia’s justice ministry and could face penalties, including significant fines.

The passage of the bill’s initial reading sparked a wave of street demonstrations. Reports indicate that several protesters sustained injuries during Tuesday’s clashes in Tbilisi, including Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party, United National Movement, who was reportedly hospitalized after a severe beating.

Eyewitnesses also observed instances of police officers physically assaulting protesters, according to Reuters news agency. A number of demonstrators were reportedly taken into custody. However, Georgian authorities have not publicly addressed these allegations of injuries or police misconduct.

Critics of the bill argue for its repeal, contending that it mirrors authoritarian legislation used by Russia to suppress dissent. They fear it could stifle critical voices ahead of this year’s parliamentary elections and impede Georgia’s progress toward EU membership. European leaders and the United States have warned that adopting the foreign agents law would undermine Georgia’s European aspirations.

Despite international concerns, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s government remains steadfast in its support of the bill. Kobakhidze has accused NGOs of attempting to foment revolutions in Georgia and of promoting “gay propaganda.” He maintains that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and denies allegations that it contradicts European values or serves Russian interests.

In response to the protests, Georgian Dream organized its own rally, where party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili criticized Western interference. The situation underscores the deepening divide within Georgia over the bill and its implications for democracy and international relations.

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EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join bloc

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Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to begin negotiations for EU membership, marking a significant milestone eight years after the formal application was submitted. Following a recommendation from the European Commission last week, EU leaders have approved the initiation of talks. European Council President Charles Michel extended congratulations to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders, affirming their place within the European family. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts for progress, a sentiment echoed by Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who expressed gratitude for achieving the necessary compliance with EU requirements.

The approval for Bosnia’s EU talks has been welcomed as a positive development by leaders across Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed it as a good message for the entire region, while Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described it as a historic day for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The road to EU membership has been long for Bosnia, with the country formally obtaining candidate status in 2022 after applying for membership in 2016. In the past year, Bosnia has made strides in passing laws aligned with EU priorities, particularly focusing on areas such as democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and public administration reform.

Despite progress, Bosnia remains ethnically and politically divided, a legacy of the 1992-95 war. Further economic and democratic reforms will be necessary before formal EU accession can occur.

The EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans has been underscored by recent events, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine. Other countries in the region, including Albania, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine, are also at various stages of the EU application process.

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Fire destroys almost entire Abkhazia art collection of 4,000 works

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A devastating fire has ravaged the majority of Abkhazia’s art collection in the National Art Gallery in Sukhumi, the capital of the breakaway region controlled by Russia. The blaze, which destroyed over 4,000 paintings, is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit in the early 20th-century wooden building that housed the valuable collection. Among the lost artworks were 300 pieces by the renowned artist and stage designer Alexander Chachba-Shervashidze. The gallery’s director, Suram Sakanya, lamented the irreparable loss, emphasizing that the collection had withstood Abkhazia’s civil war with Georgia in the 1990s.

Local artists had long advocated for a more suitable storage location, and a video before the fire revealed cramped rooms with insufficient protection for the paintings. Abkhazia, receiving support from Moscow, is situated in the north-western corner of Georgia and shares a border with Russia. Despite the region’s declaration of independence in 1999 after a war of secession with Georgia, it lacks widespread international recognition. Following the Georgian-Russian war in 2008, Moscow recognized Abkhazia as an independent state, while Georgia contends that Russia occupies the region.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili expressed sorrow over the tragedy, attributing it to the neglect of cultural identity by both the de facto leadership and Russian occupants. Russia has pledged to dispatch specialists to Sukhumi to aid in the restoration of the surviving 150 paintings rescued from the fire.

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Georgian Orthodox Church calls for Stalin religious icon to be changed

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The Georgian Orthodox Church has called for changes to an icon featuring Soviet leader Joseph Stalin displayed in a Tbilisi cathedral. The icon, depicting scenes from the life of Russian saint St Matrona of Moscow, includes an image of the saint blessing Stalin. The Georgian Patriarchate expressed concerns about the historical accuracy, stating there was “insufficient evidence” that St Matrona and Stalin ever met. The Patriarchate called on the donors of the icon, claimed to be the pro-Russian political party Alliance of Patriots, to make alterations, warning that they may intervene if necessary.

The icon gained prominence after opposition figure Giorgi Kandelaki criticized its presence, accusing it of attempting to portray one of history’s “biggest mass murderers” in a positive light. The controversy escalated when an activist, Nata Peradze, sprayed paint on the icon in protest. Peradze, who claimed Stalin’s actions had affected her family personally, faced backlash, including death threats and attacks on her property.

The Patriarchate clarified its stance on the depiction of historical figures in icons, stating that it does not necessarily imply glorification. Stalin’s legacy in Georgia is complex, with some taking pride in his rise from a humble background in the country to ruling the Soviet Union and playing a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany. However, many Georgians reject the Soviet legacy and condemn the atrocities committed during Stalin’s regime.

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