Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Public hearings begin into death of woman exposed to Novichok

The target of the attack was former double agent Sergei Skripal, who was living in Salisbury, southwest England.

A woman walks her dogs past police officers stationed outside barriers blocking the street where Dawn Sturgess lived before dying after being exposed to a Novichok nerve agent, in Salisbury, July 19, 2018. (Photo: Reuters)
A woman walks her dogs past police officers stationed outside barriers blocking the street where Dawn Sturgess lived before dying after being exposed to a Novichok nerve agent, in Salisbury, July 19, 2018. (Photo: Reuters)

PUBLIC hearings began on Monday as part of an inquiry into the 2018 death of a woman who was exposed to the nerve agent Novichok.

The nerve agent had been used in an attempt to assassinate a Russian double agent, a case that significantly worsened relations between London and the Kremlin.


The target of the attack was former double agent Sergei Skripal, who was living in Salisbury, southwest England. Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were found unconscious on a park bench in March 2018. After intensive hospital treatment, both survived and now live under protection.

Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old mother of three, died in July 2018 after she sprayed herself with what she thought was perfume. The bottle, which had been discarded in a park, contained Novichok. Authorities believe the agents who targeted the Skripals had disposed of the bottle.

The UK blames two Russian security service officers for the attack. These officers allegedly entered the country using false passports, and a third person has been identified as the mastermind behind the operation. All three are suspected to be members of Russia's GRU intelligence agency.

The inquiry into Sturgess’s death comes as tensions between Russia and the West remain high, especially after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The first week of public hearings is taking place in Salisbury Guildhall and will later move to the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London.

Despite the international arrest warrants issued for the suspects, former prime minister Theresa May, who was in office during the attack, said justice is unlikely. "I would hope by the end of it the family and friends of Dawn Sturgess feel it has got to the truth," she told the BBC. However, "closure to all the people affected would only finally come with justice, and that justice is highly unlikely to happen," she added.

Russia has denied any involvement, calling the inquiry a "circus," and its constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens.

The Salisbury incident led to the largest-ever expulsion of diplomats between Western nations and Russia, as well as sanctions. Those sanctions have since been surpassed by the measures taken against Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Wiltshire Police chief constable Catherine Roper highlighted the importance of the inquiry, stating it aims to provide Sturgess’s family, friends, and the community with as much information as possible about her death. Roper acknowledged that the hearings may bring back painful memories for those who lived through the events in Salisbury and Amesbury in 2018.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial

Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Born into a musical household, it was perhaps inevitable that Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial would pursue a career in singing.

The daughter of late music legend Basdeo Lappo Dindial and sister of acclaimed singer Rasika Dindial, she has carved out her own place as a versatile chutney soca artist – known for catchy songs and a commanding stage presence. Her electrifying live sets include a standout performance at this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

Keep ReadingShow less
Small daily steps to mental strength

Positive changes promote calm and clarity of the mind

Small daily steps to mental strength

In a fast-paced world fraught with stress, anxiety and unprecedented challenges, prioritising mental well-being has never been more important. Whether you are navigating personal struggles or supporting someone else, taking proactive steps can make a real difference. With mental health being an increasingly vital issue, Eastern Eye shares essential tips to help you feel better internally – and ways to support others who may be going through difficult times.

Exercise: Whether it is walking, yoga, dancing, playing a sport or going to the gym, find an activity you enjoy. Regular exercise supports both physical and mental well-being, as it releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters – which help reduce anxiety and depression. It can also build self-confidence and provide opportunities to connect with others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's

Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's regal Met Gala look featuring his signature 'K' necklace

Getty Images

Khloe Kardashian can’t get over Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala debut

Shah Rukh Khan made his debut at the Met Gala 2025, creating a historic moment as the first male Bollywood actor to attend the prestigious event. His appearance caught the attention of many, including reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, who took to social media to express her admiration.

Khloe, who visited India in 2024 with her sister Kim Kardashian, recalled first learning about Shah Rukh during that trip. Reflecting on his Met Gala look, she posted on Snapchat, calling him 'King Khan' and sharing that she is particularly fond of his signature 'K' necklace. Khloe praised the Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who crafted Shah Rukh’s outfit, talking about how the ensemble elegantly blended Indian cultural elements with global fashion influences.

Keep ReadingShow less
war and peace

A vivid depiction of the Kurukshetra battlefield, where Arjuna and Krishna stand amidst the chaos, embodying the eternal conflict between duty and morality

Artvee

War and Peace are two sides of the same coin

Nitin Mehta

War and peace have exercised the minds of human beings for as far back as history goes. It is no wonder then that the Mahabharata war, which took place over 5,000 years ago, became a moment of intense discussion between Lord Krishna and Arjuna.

Hundreds of thousands of people on either side were ready to begin battle on the site of Kurukshetra. Seeing the armies and his near and dear combatants, Arjuna lost the will to fight. How could he fight his grandfather Bhisma and his guru Dronacharya? He asked Krishna what all the bloodshed would achieve.

Keep ReadingShow less
 Mother’s Day

Though the religious and cultural significance of Mother’s Day differs from place to place

iStock

The global origins of Mother’s Day: From ancient rituals to modern tributes

Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a time to honour mothers and maternal figures, but its origins span different cultures, centuries, and continents. What began as religious and cultural observances has evolved into one of the most widely recognised occasions across the globe.

Ancient roots

The earliest known celebrations of motherhood date back to ancient civilisations. The Greeks and Romans held festivals to honour mother goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele, often involving ceremonies, feasting, and offerings. These rituals recognised the power of motherhood and fertility, laying the foundation for later traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less