UK announces inquiry for Russian spy death

FILE - In this Friday, May 10, 2002 file photo Alexander Litvinenko, former KGB spy and author of the book "Blowing Up Russia: Terror From Within", is photographed at his home in London. The British government Tuesday, July 22, 2014 announced plans for a wide-ranging public inquiry into the 2006 death of poisoned ex-Russian spy Litvinenko. The decision, which comes at a time of rising tensions with Russia, means investigators can look into whether the Russian state played a role in Litvinenko's demise. (AP Photo/Alistair Fuller, File) FILE - In this Friday, May 10, 2002 file photo Alexander Litvinenko, former KGB spy and author of the book "Blowing Up Russia: Terror From Within", is photographed at his home in London. The British government Tuesday, July 22, 2014 announced plans for a wide-ranging public inquiry into the 2006 death of poisoned ex-Russian spy Litvinenko. The decision, which comes at a time of rising tensions with Russia, means investigators can look into whether the Russian state played a role in Litvinenko's demise. (AP Photo/Alistair Fuller, File)

By Associated Press July 22, 2014 3 min read

LONDON (AP) – The British government announced plans Tuesday for a wide-ranging public inquiry into the mysterious 2006 death of poisoned former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko. The decision, which comes at a time of rising tensions with Russia, is a breakthrough in the much-delayed probe because it means investigators can look into whether the Russian state was involved in Litvinenko’s death.

Here are key facts about the case.

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WHO WAS ALEXANDER LITVINENKO?

A former officer in the Russian intelligence service, Litvinenko fell out with the Russian government and became a strong critic of the Kremlin. He came to Britain in 2000 and obtained political asylum.