The father of FSB-officer-turned-Kremlin-critic Alexander Litvinenko called his son a "British spy" and said he no longer believes Russian authorities were responsible for his death.
After his son's mysterious death of polonium poisoning in London in 2006, Valter Litvinenko had been outspoken regarding the Kremlin's supposed role in Alexander's death, a report on Channel One television said Thursday.
In 2008, Valter emigrated with his wife to a small town in Italy, apparently to escape retaliation from the Russian government.
But the father sent a letter last week to Channel One recanting his accusations and "asking Russia for forgiveness."
He said he now believes his son Alexander was working for British intelligence.
"I want to go home. Russian people ... no one needs us here," Valter said. The elder Litvinenko's wife died last year.
"Forgive me, my motherland. And help me return to my land, [help] an old man," Valter said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
