The widow of Aleksandr Litvinenko, the former Russian security officer who was murdered in London in 2006, is demanding a full inquest into his death. Britain’s Scotland Yard has so far resisted a public inquest.
In an open letter to the London Times newspaper Marina Litvinenko described Britain's extradition requests for Andrey Lugovoy as “futile”, saying only an inquest will find the truth. British prosecutors have so far refused to hold an inquest before a criminal trial has been held. Russia says it is unable to extradite Lugovoy, as Britain has not provided it with all the evidence. Aleksandr Litvinenko died from radioactive poisoning in London in November 2006 and his widow continues to blame the Russian authorities for his death.