In an event that shocked the world, Dawn Sturgess, a mother of three, tragically lost her life after being unknowingly caught in the crossfire of a Russian assassination plot. The incident, which occurred in July 2018, exposed her to the deadly Novichok nerve agent, a Soviet-era chemical weapon designed to kill with a single touch. Sturgess had thought she was spraying perfume, but instead, she was exposed to a substance that could kill thousands.
The story of Sturgess is inextricably linked to a failed assassination attempt on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Now, more than six years later, a public inquiry is seeking justice and answers for Sturgess’ family.
The Tragic Death of Dawn Sturgess: A Global Murder Plot Unveiled
In the summer of 2018, Dawn Sturgess, a seemingly ordinary British woman, was unwittingly caught up in an international assassination attempt. Her exposure to Novichok, a chemical weapon from the Soviet Union era, occurred months after the failed poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, and his daughter, Yulia.
Sturgess’ death raised alarming questions about how such dangerous substances ended up in public hands and whether enough was done to protect the public from the aftermath of the Skripal poisoning.
At the start of the public inquiry into Sturgess’ death, inquiry lawyer Andrew O’Connor revealed chilling details: the discarded perfume bottle contained enough Novichok to poison “thousands” of people. This revelation confirmed that Sturgess’ tragic death was not an isolated incident but part of a broader global plot.
The Skripal Assassination Attempt: What Led to Sturgess’ Death?
To fully understand what happened to Dawn Sturgess, it’s crucial to examine the events that transpired in March 2018. Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It was later revealed that they had been exposed to Novichok, a nerve agent designed to cause almost instant death.
The Skripal poisoning sent shockwaves across the UK, and the government immediately pointed fingers at Russia, stating it was “highly likely” that Russian agents were responsible. Sergei Skripal, who had been jailed in Russia for allegedly spying for Britain, was believed to be a prime target for Russian vengeance. Although the Skripals miraculously survived, they now live under constant protection, their lives forever altered by this attack.
Months later, when Dawn Sturgess came into contact with a discarded perfume bottle containing Novichok, her fate was sealed. The nerve agent had been left behind by the same Russian operatives who had targeted the Skripals, making Sturgess an innocent casualty of an international assassination attempt.
Russia’s Denial and the Ongoing Public Inquiry
The UK government believes that the Novichok attack on the Skripals was carried out by two Russian security officers who entered the UK under false identities. Despite overwhelming evidence, Russia has consistently denied any involvement.
To further complicate matters, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to extradite the suspects, citing Russia’s constitution, which does not allow extradition. Instead, the men accused of carrying out the assassination attempt appeared on Russian television, claiming they had been visiting Salisbury as tourists to see the cathedral spire.
As the inquiry into Sturgess’ death unfolds, justice remains elusive. Theresa May, who was prime minister at the time of the attack, expressed her doubt that those responsible will ever be held accountable. She acknowledged that the inquiry might offer some truth to the families affected but added that closure can only come with justice—and that justice is “highly unlikely.”
The Fallout: How the Salisbury Poisoning Changed UK-Russia Relations
The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess marked a significant turning point in UK-Russia relations. Following the Salisbury incident, Britain and its allies expelled dozens of Russian diplomats in a show of unity against the Russian intelligence agency (GRU). This marked the largest expulsion of diplomats since the Cold War.
The UK also implemented limited sanctions against Russia, but these measures paled in comparison to the sweeping sanctions that followed Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Despite these efforts, Russia continues to evade responsibility for the attack, dismissing the public inquiry into Sturgess’ death as a “circus.” Meanwhile, the inquiry will include closed-door sessions to examine sensitive intelligence material. Notably, the Skripals themselves will not testify due to safety concerns, further underscoring the enduring risks involved.
Could the Tragedy Have Been Prevented?
One of the key questions raised during the inquiry is whether the UK government did enough to protect the public from the fallout of the Skripal poisoning. Sturgess’ family has expressed their concern that the government failed to adequately secure the area or warn the public about the potential dangers.
While Sergei Skripal was a known target, Dawn Sturgess was an innocent bystander, tragically caught in the crossfire of an illegal assassination plot. The fact that the Novichok-laced perfume bottle was discarded in a public space is a haunting reminder of the collateral damage that can occur when global politics and individual lives intersect.
Will There Ever Be Justice for Dawn Sturgess?
The death of Dawn Sturgess serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of international espionage. While the inquiry may uncover new information, the chances of bringing those responsible to justice remain slim. Russia’s refusal to extradite the suspects, combined with the complex nature of international law, makes it unlikely that Sturgess’ family will ever see the justice they deserve.
Still, for the family and friends of Dawn Sturgess, as well as the wider communities in Wiltshire, the inquiry provides an opportunity to seek out the truth. As Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper poignantly stated, “At the heart of this inquiry are Dawn’s family and loved ones whose lives have been irreversibly changed.”
While justice for Dawn Sturgess may never fully materialise, the inquiry could bring some much-needed answers and help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
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