The Rest Is Classified 20. Death on the Thames: An Assassin in London (Ep 1)
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Feb 17, 2025 Delve into the chilling story of Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident who faced assassination in London during the Cold War. Explore the complexities of his mysterious poisoning, believed to involve ricin, and the broader implications for freedom of expression. Discover the legacy of the BBC World Service, offering crucial news amid political oppression. The investigation leads to eerie insights from Porton Down, exposing the dark realities of chemical warfare. This gripping tale intertwines espionage, investigative struggles, and the fight for truth.
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Georgi Markov's Background
- Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident writer, worked for BBC World Service, Radio Free Europe, and Deutsche Welle.
- He used his platform to criticize Todor Zhivkov, the Bulgarian Communist leader.
Markov's Sudden Death
- Markov felt a sting on his leg on Waterloo Bridge, later noticing a pimple-like lesion.
- His health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his death days later after being admitted to St. James's Hospital.
Markov's Relationship with Zhivkov
- Markov, a successful Bulgarian writer, initially had a close relationship with Todor Zhivkov.
- Following the Prague Spring and a subsequent crackdown, Markov fled Bulgaria for London in 1969.
