Georgian President Condemns BBC Over Protest Coverage

Georgian President Irakli Kavelashvili has accused the BBC of broadcasting "unverified information" that harms the country. He made the statement following a related attack on the broadcaster by Georgia's prime minister. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the BBC a "fake television outlet." This criticism stems from a BBC report last year that alleged Georgian authorities used a chemical agent to disperse protests. The government strongly denied using any chemical spray during the 2023 demonstrations. The BBC has stood by its reporting, stating it was based on multiple eyewitness accounts and medical reports. President Kavelashvili stated that such reporting damages Georgia's international reputation. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Georgian government and parts of the international media.