British The Guardian published the article "Alexander Litvinenko: coroner urges public inquiry into death" on the latests developments in the investigation of the Litvinenko's murder.
"The coroner overseeing the inquest into the death of the Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has called for a public inquiry into his death, after concluding that he could not otherwise consider secret evidence relating to Russia's involvement in the killing," the article states.
"Sir Robert Owen, the senior judge acting as coroner, wrote to the justice secretary, Chris Grayling, to request the inquiry, having reluctantly agreed last month to exclude documents linking Russia's security agencies to Litvinenko's poisoning in 2006, along with other material examining whether Britain could have prevented the murder, at the request of the foreign secretary, William Hague," the article explains.
"The inquest's counsel has already stated its view that the government material presents a prima facie case that Russia was behind the killing of Litvinenko, who died after being slipped radioactive polonium in a cup of tea at a London hotel.
Two former KGB agents, Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun, have been named as prime suspects in the killing; both men vigorously deny any involvement," the article reads.
The UK government will consider the request. A decision on granting a public inquiry would be taken by the home secretary in consultation with the prime minister, foreign secretary and justice secretary.
A statement issued by Marina Litvinenko's lawyers said a public inquiry where key evidence is heard in secret was "a poor substitute for an open hearing where justice can not only be done, but can be seen to be done".
