Newscast Putin ‘Morally Responsible’ For Novichok Death
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Dec 4, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Tom Symonds, a BBC news correspondent with firsthand experience of the Salisbury incidents, delves into the inquiry that deemed Putin 'morally responsible' for the death of Dawn Sturgess. Alongside Marie Lennon, a local journalist and host of the Salisbury Poisonings podcast, they explore the harrowing details of how Dawn was exposed to the deadly Novichok. Alex Forsyth, a local government expert, elaborates on the unexpected postponement of mayoral elections, revealing political tensions and implications for candidates.
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Top-Level Responsibility Identified
- Lord Hughes' inquiry concluded Vladimir Putin bears moral responsibility for the Salisbury and Amesbury poisonings.
- The report links the operation to GRU agents whose orders required sign-off from senior Russian leadership.
Perfume Bottle Turned Deadly
- Charlie Rowley found a fake perfume bottle containing Novichok and gave it to Dawn Sturgess believing it was perfume.
- Dawn applied it to her wrist and suffered an unsurvivable brain injury leading to her death.
Prevention Was Limited, Says Report
- The inquiry judged prevention by UK intelligence was unlikely given available information.
- It instead highlighted operational learning points rather than clear preventability.