“I got the impression that they hadn’t read the study,” Dr. David Chakhunashvili told journalists after being questioned before a magistrate judge.

According to him, investigators asked questions about the study conducted by a group of doctors and were particularly interested in whether the study mentioned the substance “Camite,” even though this substance is not mentioned in their report.

“They were interested in where I studied, what my academic degree is, and where my research has been published. The second topic concerned the [doctors’ group] study – they inquired about the methodology, content, and conclusions. I explained to the judge in detail the study’s objectives, methodology, and conclusions, but the investigators still had questions about what the conclusions were, even though I had already provided an answer. It seems they did not understand, were not well-acquainted with the study’s methodology, and were somewhat unclear. I got the impression that they hadn’t read the study.

They also asked whether ‘Camite’ appeared in our article. In our study, it was not mentioned.

As for expecting arrest, I don’t know if I should. We live in a country where anyone must expect anything. All of this may be intended to discourage people from conducting research in the future or from speaking out against injustice,” David Chakhunashvili stated.

For context, BBC prepared and published an investigative report which claims that during the protests in November–December 2024, the substance “Camite” was allegedly used for dispersal; this substance had last been used during World War I.

Following the publication of the report, the State Security Service launched an investigation under two articles: abuse of official powers and assisting a foreign organization in hostile activities. Those questioned include individuals who had participated as respondents in the BBC report.