“It is likely that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would have checked what type of powder Vano Merabishvili purchased back then, although this is only my assumption,” - Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in relation to the BBC investigative report.

When a journalist asked whether he could rule out the possibility that other prohibited substances - aside from Camite - were not used during the dispersal of protests, Kobakhidze replied: “I think so.”

He continued: “I think so, because presumably the Interior Ministry would have verified what type of powder Vano Merabishvili had purchased at the time. But this is only my assumption.

It is better to wait for the official investigation and its results. It would not be serious for me to get ahead of the investigation and tell you whether prohibited or non-prohibited substances were used.

The proper thing is to urge patience until the investigation is completed. The investigation has started and must determine what substances the powder contained.

How could I make an unserious statement by declaring what it did or did not contain?”

Regarding responsibility, the Prime Minister stated that if such a substance is proven to have existed, responsibility would fall on former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili:

“In 2009, Vano Merabishvili purchased a certain dissolving powder. Of course, we can discuss the obligation to verify, but if anyone could theoretically bear responsibility in such a case, it would be Vano Merabishvili - because it would turn out that he deliberately purchased a specific powder, if this is confirmed.

I do not wish for your party’s leader to be revealed as the culprit in this matter.”