Use of camite during the 2024–2026 Georgian protests

Summary

According to a BBC News investigation published in November 2025, α-bromobenzyl cyanide, a World War I-era tear gas also known as camite, was used against protestors by Georgian law enforcement during the 2024–2026 Georgian protests. The BBC investigation found evidence that the camite appeared to have been added to the water in the water cannons used against protesters. The evidence included reports and testimony from protesters, medical reports, statements from police insiders, journalists, and human rights organizations. The reports suggested that the camite caused health problems that lasted much longer than is normal for riot-control substances. An observational medical survey found that the use of the water cannon against the protestors "was associated with significant ECG changes, indicating potential cardiopulmonary effects". Amnesty International called for an international investigation under the Chemical Weapons Convention.