In a fiery response this week, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze urged the UK to apologize for a BBC report accusing Georgian authorities of using a World War One–era chemical agent called camite during last year’s protests 🤯. He called the report 'false' and said Tbilisi will take the fight to media regulators and courts if needed.
The BBC’s December 1 investigation suggested camite was deployed alongside water cannons at anti-government protests in 2024. Georgia’s government rejects this claim, explaining that the substances used were standard crowd-control additives mixed with water.
Kobakhidze stressed that Georgia has completed a thorough internal investigation and is ready to share full documentation with any international body 📄. He said 'We’ve provided all the details', adding that the country will use 'every legal avenue' – from Ofcom appeals to court cases – to force a public apology.
Why it matters: This dispute highlights the power of media narratives and the importance of fact-checking in our digital age 📱. For young South and Southeast Asians, it’s a reminder to stay critical of sensational headlines and demand accountability.
What’s next? Keep an eye on Ofcom’s review and potential court filings. Will the BBC retract its report? We’ll be watching! 👀
Got thoughts? Join the convo and let us know what media accountability means to you!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
