BRITAIN-RUSSIA/LITVINENKO Litvinenko inquiry begins hearing closing speeches

Record ID: 136012

  • Title: BRITAIN-RUSSIA/LITVINENKO Litvinenko inquiry begins hearing closing speeches
  • Date: 30th July 2015
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (FILE - JANUARY 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF MILLENNIUM HOTEL LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (FILE - DECEMBER 7, 2006) (REUTERS) POLICE GUARD CEMETERY GATES
  • Embargoed: 14th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA7MLZ6R8DFC5GS19CVU1DAR010
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL
    A public inquiry into the death of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko in London began hearing two days of closing statements on Thursday (July 30).
    British authorities believe Kremlin critic Litvinenko was poisoned with green tea laced with polonium-210 at the Millennium Hotel in central London on Nov. 1, 2006, during a meeting with the two Russians, Andrei Lugoyov and Dmitry Kovtun.
    The Kremlin has always denied involvement, as have Lugoyov and Kovtun, whom Russia has refused to extradite.
    Kovtun offered in March to give evidence by video link, but he pulled out at the last minute.
    The fallout from Litvinenko's murder chilled Anglo-Russian relations to a post-Cold War low.
    As ties improved, Britain rejected holding an inquiry in 2013. But with relations subsequently soured by the Ukraine crisis, the British government changed its mind last July.
    The final report of chairman Sir Robert Owen is due later this year.
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