LONDON: British defense minister Gavin Williamson said the “true identity” of one of the suspects in a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Salisbury had been revealed, apparently confirming media reports that the suspect was a Russian colonel.
Earlier this month, British prosecutors charged two Russians — Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov — with attempted murder for the Novichok poisoning of the Skripals in the southern English city in March but said they believed the suspects had been using aliases to enter Britain. Russia denies involvement.
Boshirov’s real name is Anatoliy Vladimirovich Chepiga, according to two European security sources familiar with the Skripal investigation, who confirmed media reports that cited investigative reporting by website Bellingcat.
“The true identity of one of the Salisbury suspects has been revealed to be a Russian Colonel. I want to thank all the people who are working so tirelessly on this case,” Williamson said in a tweet.
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‘True identity’ of Salisbury suspect revealed, UK defense minister says
‘True identity’ of Salisbury suspect revealed, UK defense minister says
- Earlier this month, British prosecutors charged two Russians — Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov
- Boshirov’s real name is Anatoliy Vladimirovich Chepiga, according to two European security sources
South Korea prosecutors request 10-year term for ex-president
SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors on Friday sought a 10-year prison sentence for ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, for offenses linked to his attempt to impose martial law last year.
Yoon briefly suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades on December 3, 2024, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.
Since being removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court, he has faced multiple trials for actions linked to his martial law declaration.
Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison term on Friday for charges including obstruction of justice, after Yoon allegedly excluded cabinet members from a martial law meeting and in January blocked investigators from detaining him.
A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict in the case next month, according to Yonhap news agency.
Yoon said this month his decision to declare martial law had been justified in the fight against “pro-China, pro-North Korea, and traitorous activities.”
His three other trials include allegations of leading an insurrection, for which he could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Yoon briefly suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades on December 3, 2024, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.
Since being removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court, he has faced multiple trials for actions linked to his martial law declaration.
Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison term on Friday for charges including obstruction of justice, after Yoon allegedly excluded cabinet members from a martial law meeting and in January blocked investigators from detaining him.
A Seoul court is expected to deliver a verdict in the case next month, according to Yonhap news agency.
Yoon said this month his decision to declare martial law had been justified in the fight against “pro-China, pro-North Korea, and traitorous activities.”
His three other trials include allegations of leading an insurrection, for which he could face the death penalty if found guilty.
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