bbc.com
Novichok Investigation and Public Health Response
The inquiry into Don Sturgess' death reveals conflicting accounts of the government's response to the Novichok threat and the investigation's process of identifying the poisoning source.
Russian
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsHealthUkPublic HealthInvestigationGovernmentPoisoningNovichok
Scotland YardUk GovernmentPublic Health England
Don SturgessSergei SkripalYulia SkripalSally DaviesDominic Murphy
- How did Don Sturgess become involved in the Novichok incident?
- Don Sturgess, an innocent bystander, died after accidentally coming into contact with Novichok from a discarded perfume bottle; this bottle had been found by her partner.
- Describe the strategy employed by the police in the investigation.
- The police's strategy involved working backward from the bench where the Skripals were found, initially suspecting the restaurant where they ate, then a pub, and finally their car, before pinpointing the door handle.
- What concerns were raised regarding public warnings about Novichok?
- Concerns were raised that public warnings about the potential danger of Novichok might cause panic, but Davies maintained her independence in issuing such warnings despite the concerns.
- What criticism has been directed toward former Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies?
- Former UK Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies faced criticism for allegedly withholding information about the potential danger of Novichok from the public, a claim she denies.
- What were the initial locations of interest in the investigation into the Skripal poisoning?
- The investigation into the Novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal initially focused on a restaurant, then a pub, before finally identifying the Skripals' door handle as the source of the nerve agent.