A British woman, Dawn Sturgess, tragically lost her life after unknowingly spraying herself with a deadly nerve agent, Novichok, in what was described as an “illegal and outrageous international assassination attempt.” This incident was linked to a failed poison attack against Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, leading to strained relations between the UK and Russia.
During the public inquiry into Sturgess’s death, it was revealed that the perfume bottle she used contained enough Novichok to harm numerous individuals. The connection between the Skripal case and Sturgess’s poisoning highlighted the alarming consequences of international espionage.
The UK government holds Russian security service officers responsible for the Novichok attack, accusing them of using false passports to enter the country. This incident not only resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives but also further fueled tensions between London and Moscow.
As the investigation continues, the truth behind these heinous acts of violence is gradually coming to light, shedding new insights on the complexities of modern espionage and international relations.
Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024