Russia launches probe into attack of ex-spy’s daughter, murder of businessman

World Today

Russia said it has launched its own investigation in the case of the daughter of ex-spy Sergei Skripal. Yulia Skripal is a Russian citizen, while her father was stripped of his citizenship. Russia is also investigating the mysterious death of a Russian businessman who lived in London.

CGTN’s Aljosa Milenkovic reports from Moscow.

Two days ahead presidential elections in Russia, the Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case in the poisoning of Yulia Skripal. She is the daughter of former Russian military intelligence colonel Sergei Skripal. Both have been hospitalized in critical condition in the UK since early this month.

Apparently Russians would like to give their version of the story, though investigators will be challenged by zero access to the crime scene, evidence gathered, or possible witnesses.

The case is opened only for Yulia and not for her father Sergei. The presumed reasoning is that Yulia remains a Russian citizen, while her father was stripped of his citizenship, after he was exchanged for Russian spies caught in the United States.

Authorities say they will also investigate the death of another Russian- a former Aeroflot executive, Nikolai Glushkov recently found dead in his London home.

“The investigation of these criminal cases will be held according to the requirements of the Russian legislation and the rules of international law,” Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said. “Investigators plan to engage highly qualified experts in the investigative process. The investigators are also ready to cooperate with the relevant authorities in Great Britain.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has blamed some Western media for oversimplifying the Skripal case, dismissing them as propaganda outlets.


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