Bokuchava Says Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons Dominates PACE Discussions on Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 29, 2026
The main concern at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today is reports alleging the use of chemical weapons against protesters in Georgia during pro-European demonstrations, said Tina Bokuchava, chair of the United National Movement.
Speaking at PACE, Bokuchava said opposition forces are working with international partners to ensure accountability for those allegedly involved in the use of banned chemical substances.
"While representatives of the Ivanishvili regime are no longer present in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, we, the democratic political forces, have the opportunity to represent the interests of our people and our country in this most important assembly," Bokuchava said.
"Today, the greatest concern here, in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, is the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons against its own population during pro-European demonstrations," she added.
According to Bokuchava, opposition representatives are engaging with political groups and national delegations to pursue international mechanisms of accountability.
"We are actively working together with all political groups and various national delegations to use all international instruments and bring to justice those who gave the order, those who carried it out, and those who in any way participated in this grave crime," she said.
"The use of chemical weapons against one's own people is considered a war crime under international law," Bokuchava added.
Earlier, members of PACE and representatives of Georgian opposition parties held a joint briefing on the alleged use of banned chemical agents to disperse protests in Georgia. Participants called for an international investigation and said they stand in solidarity with the Georgian public in what they described as a struggle for freedom.
