Georgia has opened an investigation into a BBC report alleging that authorities deployed a World War One era chemical agent to disperse anti government protesters last year, a claim that has intensified scrutiny of the country’s handling of months of political unrest.

The BBC reported on Monday, December 1, that it had gathered evidence suggesting “Georgia’s authorities used a World War One era chemical weapon to quell anti government protesters last year.”

In response, the State Security Service said it had launched an inquiry to determine “what information the BBC relied on,” including interviews and testimonies cited in the investigation, and to assess “how relevant and credible this information may be.” The agency said the report “contains indications of a crime which, if confirmed, would be directed against the life and health of citizens and would fundamentally violate their and society’s lawful interests.” At the same time, it warned that the material also “contains indications of a crime of the opposite nature, one that seriously harms Georgia’s national interests, its international image, and its reputation.”

The BBC defended its reporting, saying in a statement that the investigation was based on “hearing directly from the protestors themselves, multiple whistleblowers, UN experts, and experts inside Georgia, as well as a medical study and written documents and reports.” It added that “the reporting is firmly in the public interest, and the evidence gathered is clearly presented for audiences.”

Georgia has faced persistent political turmoil since last year’s parliamentary election, which the opposition claims was rigged in favor of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Public anger intensified when the government later announced it would delay seeking the opening of European Union membership talks with Brussels until 2028, triggering mass demonstrations across the Black Sea nation. During the early stages of the protests, police deployed water cannons and tear gas to break up crowds.

Both the national rights ombudsman and Amnesty International reported that police treatment of detained demonstrators amounted to “torture.” The Georgian Dream party has repeatedly rejected accusations of democratic regression and denied warnings from critics that the government is steering the country toward a pro Russian tilt.