Lugovoi rejects British accusations
Wednesday, 29 Aug 2007 18:20
Alexander Litvinenko's death has caused a major diplomatic rift
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Alexander Litvinenko murder suspect Andrei Lugovoi has said allegations laid against him are the product of a conspiracy created by senior members of the British government.
Speaking to Russian journalists in Moscow, the retired KGB bodyguard reiterated his denial of any involvement in the death of former spy Mr Litvinenko in November last year from radiation poisoning.
"There is no evidence, there is no proof. Everything that the crown prosecution service says is a lie, inspired by the British top leadership together with the special services," the RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.
Russian authorities refused an extradition request filed earlier this summer, prompting the UK government to expel four Russian diplomats. Moscow responded by repeating the move.
"I am not going anywhere because this [murder] case involves big politics," Mr Lugovoi added today.
"I propose that if the British justice authorities have any proof that they send it here, to Russia."
Mr Lugovoi was with Mr Litvinenko on November 1st 2006, the night the latter is believed to have received his fatal dose of the radioactive isotope polonium-210.
He has spoken out previously. In a long monologue on May 31st he claimed MI5 had tried to recruit him and pledged to clear his "honest name".