The public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who passed away in July 2018 after coming into contact with the poisonous Novichok nerve agent, will not call on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, for testimony. The judge in charge of the inquiry stated that the potential physical danger to the Skripals outweighed any benefits of their testimony.
Following the Novichok attack on the Skripals in Salisbury, England, Ms. Sturgess passed away four months later. An international investigation was launched, with Russian agents being accused of being involved. The Kremlin denied involvement. Ms. Sturgess died after accidentally spraying herself with Novichok.
Her family pressed for the Skripals to be called as witnesses in the inquiry, but the judge concluded it was too dangerous for them. If the Skripals’ identities were revealed, they could become targets again. The judge worries that revealing the Skripals’ identities could also increase the chance of further attacks.
The inquiry, which aims to uncover more details about the scandal, will be held in Salisbury before moving to London. The family of Ms. Sturgess will still have access to other testimonies, such as interview transcripts or written statements from the Skripals if necessary, according to Lord Hughes of Ombersley, who is leading the inquiry.
The Skripals were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury, England, after exposure to Novichok in 2018. The case sparked an international investigation, as well as accusations that Russian agents tried to assassinate them. However, the Kremlin denied involvement in the attack
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