Where is Marina Litvinenko Now? – In 2006, Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent, was assassinated in London. He was unknowingly poisoned with polonium-210, a radioactive substance. Litvinenko had spoken out against the Russian government and had sought political asylum in the UK in 2000.
After an exhaustive investigation, it was determined that Russia was directly responsible for Litvinenko’s murder, which was likely ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself. This case caused a global uproar, and Litvinenko’s wife, Marina, played an instrumental role in keeping the case in the spotlight long after her husband’s passing.
On an episode of NBC’s ‘Dateline: The Real Blacklist, Russian Spy,’ Marina Litvinenko shared her story and the struggle she has gone through in seeking justice for her husband’s death. A Russian-born citizen now living in the UK since his murder, Marina Litvinenko has been actively working to seek justice and advocate for whistle-blower protection and journalists’ rights. Her efforts have been recognized internationally, with various awards for her activism.
What Happened to Alexander Litvinenko’s Wife, Marina Litvinenko?
Alexander Litvinenko and his family had fled Russia in 2000 and sought political asylum in the UK. Even after leaving Russia, he had been an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, continuing his opposition until his murder by poisoning with polonium-210 in 2006 captured global attention.
Marina Litvinenko, his widow, took up the cause of justice after his passing and founded the Litvinenko Justice Foundation in 2007. She successfully campaigned for an inquest into her husband’s death which was granted in 2011. A report released two years later identified Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun as assassins acting under the direction of the FSB, with Putin having “a level of approval for the killing.”
Russia has always denied involvement in Litvinenko’s death, with Lugovoi and Kovtun also denials of any wrongdoing. Marina Litvinenko took the case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which in September 2021 found Russia responsible for Litvinenko’s passing. They concluded Lugovoi and Kovtun acted under the direction or control of Russian authorities, and Litvinenko was poisoned while drinking tea with them. As a result, Russia was ordered to pay Marina EUR122,500 in costs and damages, though they have yet to do so, an important victory for Marina as she moves closer to justice for her husband’s killer.
Where Is Marina Litvinenko Now?
Since her husband’s passing, Marina Litvinenko has been actively engaged in keeping the case in the public spotlight. She was heavily involved in the making of the drama ‘Litvinenko’ and spoke about it at a press conference in London. Marina felt it was essential for the story to be told authentically and that it was an important way of keeping her husband’s voice alive.
Richard Kerbaj, who had made a documentary about Litvinenko, served as executive producer on the drama, and Marina trusted him to bring the story to a wider audience. While watching the first episode was difficult for Marina to watch, she felt it necessary to increase her understanding of what occurred 16 years ago and why it was such an important case. Through this drama, she hopes more people will come to appreciate what transpired in 2006 and why it remains such an important case today.
Now in her early 60s, Marina Litvinenko still resides in London and is an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. She is dedicated to seeking justice for her husband’s murder and has spearheaded campaigns for whistle-blower protection and journalists’ rights. Marina’s fight has been recognized worldwide; her activism has earned her numerous awards.
You can stream “The Real Blacklist, Russian Spy” episode on NBC Dateline.
Must Read: Dateline: ‘The Real Blacklist, Russian Spy’ – Alexander Litvinenko Murder
