A former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia, were the targets of the Novichok attack in Salisbury, but they won’t be giving evidence at a public inquiry.
This is because of concerns for their safety. The inquiry will focus on the death of Dawn Sturgess, a mother of three who died in July 2018 after coming into contact with Novichok, the same poison used on the Skripals.
Dawn Sturgess was accidentally poisoned four months after the attack on the Skripals. She sprayed herself with what she thought was perfume, but it was actually Novichok. It is believed the bottle was left behind by the same Russian agents who targeted the Skripals.
The Skripals were found unconscious on a bench in March 2018, and this incident started an international investigation. Many believe Russian agents smeared the poison on the Skripals’ front door.
Russia has always denied being involved in the attack. Ms Sturgess, however, was an unintended victim, dying after unknowingly using the contaminated bottle.
The inquiry into Ms Sturgess’ death began in 2021. Her family has been asking for answers ever since, hoping the Skripals would testify to provide more information. They want to know more about what happened and whether Dawn's death could have been prevented.
However, Lord Hughes of Ombersley, the judge in charge of the inquiry, has decided that it’s too dangerous for Sergei and Yulia Skripal to testify. He explained that there’s still a real risk of another attack on them, just like in 2018. If they were to appear at the inquiry or even testify remotely through a video link, their location could be exposed, and they could be in danger again.
Lord Hughes also ruled that old interviews of the Skripals from 2018 should not be shown during the inquiry, as these could reveal clues about their identities and whereabouts. Instead, the investigation will use written evidence from the Skripals.
Lord Hughes said, "There is every reason to be satisfied that an attack similar to that which appears to have taken place in 2018 remains a real risk, either at the hands of persons with the same interest as the 2018 attackers or via others interested in supporting the same supposed aim, if either Sergei or Yulia can be identified and their current whereabouts discovered."
The public inquiry is due to get underway at The Guildhall in Salisbury on October 14th, before continuing in London.
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