After more than seven years since the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess, the public will finally have access to the findings of an investigation into her poisoning with the deadly nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury. The inquiry, chaired by Lord Hughes of Ombersley, will disclose its long-awaited conclusions at midday today at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London’s St Paul’s.
The inquiry, which replaced the inquest into Dawn’s death, was formally established in March 2022 and included public hearings in Salisbury and London, as well as classified sessions. The investigation delved into various aspects, including the involvement of Russian agents and the circumstances surrounding the poisoning of Dawn Sturgess, her partner Charlie Rowley, and other victims.
The inquiry also shed light on the identities of the Russian operatives involved, such as Alexander Mishkin, Anatoliy Chepiga, and Denis Sergeev, who are subjects of a global arrest warrant. Despite mounting evidence, Russia continues to deny any connection to the poisoning incidents in the UK.
Furthermore, the inquiry explored the activities of other Russian individuals, including Ivan Yermakov and Aleksey Lukashev, who are wanted by the FBI for alleged election interference. The inquiry also touched upon the experiences of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who were previous victims of a Novichok poisoning attack in Salisbury.
During the inquiry proceedings, stringent measures were put in place to protect the safety of the Skripals, who provided statements but did not testify in person due to security concerns. Their accounts detailed the harrowing effects of the poison, describing symptoms like hallucinations, breathing difficulties, and extended periods of unconsciousness.
The repercussions of the Novichok incidents were severe, prompting then-Prime Minister Theresa May to expel Russian diplomats and initiate a significant diplomatic fallout between the UK and Russia. The inquiry also raised questions about the safety and security measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Family members of Dawn Sturgess expressed hope that the inquiry would bring closure and accountability for the tragic events. Their sentiments reflect a broader desire for justice and transparency surrounding the circumstances that led to the poisoning incidents in Salisbury. The public release of the inquiry findings is expected to have significant implications on international relations, particularly between the UK and Russia, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As the inquiry outcomes are unveiled, the world will be watching closely to see how the findings will shape future actions and responses to such threats, emphasizing the importance of accountability and justice in cases of chemical attacks on innocent civilians.