Litvinenko (2022): Season 1, Episode 4 - Episode #1.4 - full transcript
Right.
Time to 'and in your 'omework.
If you're wondering
why we're not emailing this
or pressing a button to make
some sort of computer submission,
or pressing a button to make
some sort of computer submission,
it's because I want this
physically handed in.
200 people on this job.
40,000 man hours.
Two strong suspects.
There's a weight of evidence here.
And I want 'em to feel that weight.
I want 'em to hold
all your hard work in their 'ands
before they make their decision.
It's the biggest job of my career,
this.
And I know it's the same
for many of you.
So well done.
Now, we just need a volunteer
to take it round to CPS, please?
Now, we just need a volunteer
to take it round to CPS, please?
Marina? It's in.
Now all we can do is wait.
No.
Ooh! Somebody can't stay away, look.
Ooh! Somebody can't stay away, look.
What?
The CPS have agreed
to press charges.
And request extradition.
But you knew that already.
No.
Then... Then why are you here?
Because Marina wants a meeting.
And she wants it
at her lawyer's place.
Why would Marina need a lawyer?
Why would Marina need a lawyer?
What my client would like,
while the CPS considers its options,
is a public inquest
into her husband's death.
She believes that an inquest
will maintain public awareness.
She believes
it will expedite matters.
She believes it will give us all,
and we include you in this,
a far better chance
of establishing Russian culpability.
Sorry. Erm, SHE believes this,
or you do?
Louise Christian
is a Human Rights lawyer.
Louise Christian
is a Human Rights lawyer.
Very experienced.
She explain what we...
To be clear, my client does not need
your permission for any of this.
She's just making you aware.
Marina, we were going to call you
about this,
but given you wanted a meeting,
we agreed that it would be better
coming in person.
Um... the CPS has decided
to press murder charges.
And to request extradition.
It's fantastic news.
Yes. But won't change anything.
Extradition won't follow.
Extradition won't follow.
Extradition will be requested
by the British Embassy directly.
Fine, but they're not
gonna get anywhere.
We don't know that.
No?
How did your detectives get on
when they were in Moscow?
I am in the process of finding
a barrister to represent my client.
You don't need to do that.
If by a miracle...
It confuses things.
..extradition is granted...
It gets in the way.
..we can all reconvene.
That way,
we will waste no more time.
What do you mean "more time"?
Is that fair?
What do you mean "more time"?
Is that fair?
I address that to you,
you being most senior, yes?
Look, you either trust in the
British justice system or you don't.
Honestly? I could trust in it more.
I'm not talking about you,
I'm talking about your client,
or "Marina" as we tend to call her.
She asked us to do a job, we did it,
we put colleagues' lives in danger,
and now we need to let it play out.
Stop!
It's like cats and dogs.
Here's an idea.
Whatever the decision
over extradition,
Whatever the decision
over extradition,
it shouldn't take
more than a few days to arrive.
The second it does,
we let Marina know.
From that moment on,
everyone around this table
agrees to support Marina
with an inquest
or whatever you choose to do next.
How does that sound?
- Peter?
- 'You near a television?'
Er... yeah.
'It's called "Russia TV".'
Russia TV?
'Right the way up.'
If you get to the dirty ones,
you've gone too far.
There.
"Putin on Litvinenko.
"An insignificant target who the FSB
would not have bothered murdering."
When are the Embassy
asking for extradition?
'This afternoon.'
'This afternoon.'
Talk about bad timing.
No, this...
this isn't timing, Clive.
This is him
giving his answer in advance.
'What you're watching
is a televised fuck you.'
The Russians are not
going to allow extradition.
We heard about an hour ago.
I wanted to be the one to tell you.
Face to face.
This is why we ask for a meeting.
We know this would happen.
And... police work is finish.
A murder case is never closed.
You're working on this now?
Personally?
Clive working on this now?
Brent...
Brent...
I trust you... very much.
From beginning,
all of you, you...
try to catch these men.
But now it is... done.
If I want to continue fighting...
Marina, I'm always here.
If you need someone to talk...
If... I want to continue fighting...
..I fight on my own. Yes?
..I fight on my own. Yes?
Hm?
Er, Louise, I don't understand.
You are my lawyer.
I'm your solicitor.
But if there's an inquest,
we'll need a barrister, too.
And there are a lot of good ones
in London.
HE is one of the very best.
Hello? Here to see Ben Emmerson.
'One moment, please.'
So... the question for you
is never gonna be,
"Is he good enough?"
But "Do I trust him?
And "Does this feel right?"
Well, they're gonna be pleased
with the teapot.
That's excellent.
That's excellent.
But here's the one
that seals it for me,
the U-bend from Lugovoy's sink.
Because I'm sorry,
polonium might do many things,
but it doesn't cross-contaminate
its way
into the U-bend of your sink.
You have to pour it there.
This shows
that these are the men responsible.
Yes?
Well, when you factor in
all the rest of it, unquestionably.
But it is very important to say,
Mrs Litvinenko,
that if you and I
are to work together on this,
push for this inquest,
then our objective
push for this inquest,
then our objective
cannot be to show these are the men
that killed your husband.
But I need to show this.
That's not our brief.
It is brief.
It's not the one I've been given.
May I show you?
Not that you won't have
seen it already.
'That this may be the time
'to say one or two things
to the person responsible.
'You may succeed in silencing me,
'but the howl of protest from
around the world will reverberate,
'Mr Putin, in your ears
for the rest of your life.'
It's not what
your husband's asking us.
He wants us to lay this
at the door of Vladimir Putin.
That is the brief.
So if we do this,
and even though it might take
So if we do this,
and even though it might take
a considerable amount of time...
..then that is what
I suggest we try and do.
Before any inquest can begin,
the rules of the game
need to be established.
What is, or... or is not admissible,
and so on...
But none of what happens here's
gonna be a trial.
It's not us versus them,
it's a lot of stuffy old lawyers
like me, putting a lot of things
before a judge,
and it's for the judge alone
to decide.
The judge to judge.
Precisely.
But first,
we need to jump through some hoops.
Our preliminary assessment
does establish a prima facie case
as to the culpability
of the Russian state
in the death
of Alexander Litvinenko.
Mr Emmerson?
Sir, may I thank the inquest team
for their preliminary report.
That there is a case
for Russian state responsibility
in the death of Mr Litvinenko
is, of course, something
that my client
has been hoping to explore
since her husband made clear to her,
since her husband made clear to her,
whilst dying,
that that was his own belief.
In which case,
I will look to confirm the date
on which we can begin
the substantive hearings.
Ben is very happy. Very positive.
Everything take time, of course,
but Ben says there is good chance
to prove Russian responsibility
at highest level.
He keeps fighting.
You keep fighting...
Ben and I, well, we keep fighting.
Ben and I, well, we keep fighting.
What?
Well, nothing. It's...
You've said the name "Ben"
three times in the last minutes.
What is wrong with that?
Nothing. Nothing.
Stop.
This is very dangerous situation
for me.
Do you not see?
Yes.
I put... all my hope...
in this one man.
I put... all my hope...
in this one man.
In this one place.
Izvini, Marina.
Izvini.
Right.
Sorry.
Ready.
Boss?
Boss?
Boss?
Boris?
Boss?
Boss?
The judge is gonna
invite the Government
to hold a public inquiry.
You know, that would mean that
the materials they wanted hidden
will remain hidden, but that he,
crucial, will get to see them.
will remain hidden, but that he,
crucial, will get to see them.
Not just see them,
take them into consideration.
This is good?
Oh, it's a hell of a lot better
than it was at lunchtime,
put it that way.
Right. Er... you're Temple,
I'm Chancery Lane, so...
H-How long will this take?
Too long. Probably.
But then...
we knew that it would, didn't we?
Knowing's half the battle.
Standard!
Taxi!
He makes a series
of anti-Putin remarks, like Sasha.
Then the next thing you know,
like Sasha,
he's found dead
in unexplained circumstances.
But not like Sasha in that
he had a scarf round his neck,
But not like Sasha in that
he had a scarf round his neck,
bruising, all along there...
I'm not saying
that it's not suicide...
And the door was locked
from the inside.
..I'm saying
it's worth investigating.
You know what, Brent?
It's a simple job.
You get a brief, you get to work,
you make your submission to CPS,
or not, depending,
then you move onto the next one.
Staying emotionally attached...
You mean caring?
..is not a strength.
Not in the way you think it is.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Oh, I... Guv. Sorry.
Hey.
OK. Tell me.
All right. I'm coming right now.
I feel like we keep running
into the same brick wall.
Well... at least we get to run
into it together.
Thank you.
'The UK has refused a request
'to set up a public inquiry
to replace the inquest
'into the death of the former
Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
'Mr Litvinenko was poisoned
with radioactive polonium
'Mr Litvinenko was poisoned
with radioactive polonium
'in London in 2006,
'a disappointing decision,
then, for the family today.'
Six reasons from the Home Secretary
for why a public inquiry
is being refused.
Including, risibly, the admission
that international relations
are a factor.
Which, to translate into English
from the original bullshit,
means that trade opportunities
are more important to this country
than the life of...
of one of its citizens.
than the life of...
of one of its citizens.
Maybe Government knows
it was not actually Putin.
But it WAS actually Putin.
What Russian citizen
would dare do something like this
without his blessing?
But, you know,
Putin's not the problem.
Well... he's not the only problem.
What today proves more than anything
is that we are taking on
an entire regime here.
One that is immoral. Cowardly.
One that is immoral. Cowardly.
One that, yeah...
it dances to Putin's drum.
One that deludes itself
into believing that
it has an international relevance
that it lost long ago.
But as of today,
the regime we're up against
isn't the Russian regime.
It's the United Kingdom.
You smoke? No.
Do not smoke, Anatoly.
Do sports like your father.
Sport's not exactly my thing.
How about, er,
helping your mother with shopping?
Is this your thing?
Alex is coming later.
I was gonna take these
to the cemetery, but...
maybe tomorrow.
I can do it now.
I can do it now.
Anatoly's school fees are settled.
The apartment is secure, but...
The apartment is secure, but...
there can be no more money
taken from the estate.
We certainly cannot afford
barristers like Ben Emmerson.
So...
..that's it?
I just tell him it's over?
Everything stop?
Sorry.
OK. So, er... no more money.
OK. So, er... no more money.
We think of new way.
Marina...
..it's been seven years.
Seven years.
I think it's time for you
to ask yourself the question,
"What more can I do?"
The grave was covered in moss
and leaves and stuff.
The grave was covered in moss
and leaves and stuff.
But I... took care of it.
We should never let it
get like that.
Thank you.
There are three things
we could be doing.
One, keep this in the public eye,
two, keep the police onside,
and three... wait. Crucial.
and three... wait. Crucial.
Every time Putin does something,
influences an election,
annexes Georgia,
the pressure mounts.
And there'll come a point
when even the British Government
can't be seen to look the other way.
And when that day comes,
that's when we strike.
You haven't touched your sandwich.
This morning I, erm,
visit Louise Christian.
This morning I, erm,
visit Louise Christian.
I explain her...
..I am very scared.
From now on... no more money.
Expensive barrister...
..and not possible.
So now you've come to see me.
So now you've come to see me.
You've bought a sandwich
you don't even want,
and... and do you wanna know
what I think?
I think...
..I think we're just gonna
have to carry on anyway,
Here's what I think.
You and I, we've started something,
and... well, I'm afraid
that I'm just gonna have to insist
we see it right through to the end.
I also think you need to put
that sandwich back in your bag.
I also think you need to put
that sandwich back in your bag.
Take it home for Anatoly...
Yes.
..before I eat it for him.
Thank you, Ben.
"Dear Mr Putin,
"my name is Marina Litvinenko.
"I believe you to be responsible
for the murder of my husband.
"I believe you to be responsible
for the murder of my husband.
"I have shared this belief
with the British media.
"And I have asked my Prime Minister
to authorise a public inquiry
"so that you may be held to account.
"In the words of my husband,
may God forgive you."
Sorry about the wait.
Forgive me. Thanks.
What are we doing this afternoon?
No... don't... don't answer that.
I'll tell you exactly
what we're doing.
I cannot understand
why the British Government
needs to cover
for the people in Kremlin
responsible for the murder
of my husband.
responsible for the murder
of my husband.
After all,
the Government is supposed to be
interested in finding out
who is responsible
for the murder of a British citizen
on the streets of London.
Now... the decision
is up to Theresa May.
Brent?
'I call on her
to begin an investigation.
'I want to ask her,
as one woman to another...'
..how would she feel in my place?
'If her husband were murdered
in such a way,
'If her husband were murdered
in such a way,
'would she not want to know
the truth?'
'Our correspondent
Juliet Bremner is in Westminster...'
Mum? Mum!
Shto takoy?
Shto takoy?
Mum.
It's in the Ukraine.
But they think it was shot down
by Russia.
Isn't that the kind of thing
we've been waiting for?
The thing they can't ignore?
Hello?
So, what? She's just coming over?
Is that like a...
like a Russian thing?
Like with Australians?
You all just invite yourself round?
You don't need to tidy up.
She's not that sort of person.
She's nice.
This morning...
Theresa May, she decided,
"Yes, we have inquiry."
"Yes, we have inquiry."
I wanted to tell you, Brent,
before anyone else.
Straight away,
I know Brent needs to know this
because Brent was
the first person at the hospital.
Yes.
Late at night...
Yes.
How many years ago now?
Eight years this year.
First person to believe my husband.
First person to believe my husband.
To listen to us.
This is very big moment.
And you'll need everyone
on the police side
to take part in the inquiry,
I'm presuming?
Then that's what we'll do.
We were about to have some food,
Marina. Will you stay?
Everything OK?
Brent.
For me and Anatoly,
this inquiry is easy.
We stand in public, and we say,
"Vladimir Putin is murderer."
Because it is family.
For other people, this is...
..big risk.
You must think about
the things closest to you.
Marina...
The people you love.
We're giving evidence,
we're giving it everything,
and we're doing it for you.
End of.
You will?
You just try and stop him!
All right, come on,
that's enough. Excuse us.
Rise.
Sir, my... client...
Mrs Litvinenko...
..as you know, has fought
long and hard to reach this,
the opening day of a public inquiry
into the assassination
of her husband in 2006.
That murder was an act
of unspeakable barbarism.
That murder was an act
of unspeakable barbarism.
The significance
of this dreadful murder, though,
resonates far beyond
those immediately involved.
It is a matter
of grave national
and international concern.
On his deathbed, Mr Litvinenko
accused Vladimir Putin
of having ordered his assassination.
And we say, sir, on hearing
all the evidence out before you
And we say, sir, on hearing
all the evidence out before you
that you will conclude...
.."He was right about that."
Brent?
Hello, Jim.
I'm sorry to do this out the blue.
The original interview transcripts,
how do I get those?
There'll be summaries
on the database. Operation Whimbrel.
No, not the summaries.
The whole lot.
No, not the summaries.
The whole lot.
'How soon do you need 'em?'
How soon can you get them?
Mrs Litvinenko,
when you first met your husband,
what did you understand
his job to be?
He was, er, special unit. FSB.
He was, er, special unit. FSB.
But he had concerns over corruption
within the FSB, did he not?
To the point where he submitted
a report to the head of the FSB.
That is correct.
Who was the head of the FSB
at that time?
Vladimir Putin.
Thank you.
Mrs Litvinenko,
when he reported those concerns,
Mrs Litvinenko,
when he reported those concerns,
did he think Mr Putin
would act on them at all?
No. Very soon,
Sasha realised that...
..Putin will not act
against these people.
No... why?
Because Putin knows these people.
He protect them. Protect himself.
Putin was involved in these plots.
That was your husband's view?
Yes.
'Thank you very much indeed.'
Sir, the...
the next witnesses will be
from the Metropolitan Police,
Members of SO15, counter-terrorism,
and the detective who led
the murder investigation itself.
Polonium was found
at the Itsu restaurant
where Lugovoy and Kovtun ate.
In the Millennium Hotel
where they stayed.
In the Pine Bar
which they visited.
At the table where they sat.
Er, in the teapot that they ordered.
In the spout of the teapot
that they ordered.
That was on the table
where they sat.
In both their hotel rooms.
In the U-bend of the basin
in Mr Lugovoy's room.
And, erm, well,
several other sites across London,
And, erm, well,
several other sites across London,
too long to commit to memory...
Thank you, Mr...?
..including the seats
they sat in on the flight
they flew in on from Moscow.
Thank you, Mr Timmons.
Lugovoy was career-KGB.
Mr Litvinenko mentioned
that in his statement,
but we, of course,
carried out our own investigations,
and we are able to verify that.
And, if I may, it's worth saying
that just this week,
And, if I may, it's worth saying
that just this week,
Mr Lugovoy was given a medal
for "services to the motherland".
And you mention that...?
We just all thought
it was curious timing, that's all.
You interviewed Mr Lugovoy
in December, 2006.
Yes, that is correct.
Am I right in saying there is
no tape recording of that interview?
I am afraid that is also correct.
That is unfortunate, is it not?
That would be an understatement.
Since-Since-Since you've paused,
Mr Tam, may I ask Mr Tarpey...
Is it right to say that it's not
the case that there was no tape...?
Yes, there was a physical tape...
There was a tape
provided by the Russians
that purported to be of Mr Lugovoy,
but which was later
found to be blank,
or wiped, perhaps.
Yes. That is correct.
Yes. That is correct.
An important clarification, I think.
Mr Hyatt, the interviews
that you conducted
with Mr Litvinenko in hospital,
do you have the transcripts
with you there?
Now, for this section, Sir,
unusually,
we will be adducing evidence
relating to the death
of Mr Litvinenko...
from Mr Litvinenko himself.
from Mr Litvinenko himself.
The suggestion is that Mr Hyatt
reads some of his questions
aloud for the court.
And that I shall read the answers
given by Mr Litvinenko.
Starting, then, Mr Hyatt...
Erm...
At the bottom of page 078,
I'm asking Sasha about the work
he was asked to do by the FSB.
Erm, "Your job was to kill?
"That's what you're saying? Who?"
"That's what you're saying? Who?"
"Enemies of The Russian State.
They give me names.
"They must be killed.
"That is why I am here today."
"Because you killed?"
"Because I refuse.
This job is not human.
"FSB is corrupt.
"I want to tell this to the world."
Then further on, at 085,
I say to him, "You became a target?
I say to him, "You became a target?
"They've sent someone over
to London?"
Sasha agreed with that.
Said he thought someone had been
sent from Moscow to poison him.
Then my colleague, Jim Dawson, asks,
"Do you have any idea
who might have ordered this?"
"I know the man
who makes order for this.
"The man who says I must die."
"You have a name?
Let's start with a name."
"You have a name?
Let's start with a name."
"His name...
"..Vladimir Putin."
Mr Emmerson?
Sir.
The final chapter will come,
of course,
when you deliver your report...
when you deliver your report...
But the evidence here, Sir,
is utterly objective...
..utterly damning,
and it has the simplicity
of undeniable fact.
Polonium-210
is only manufactured in Russia.
In a tightly controlled
state facility... in Russia.
In the hands of Mr Lugovoy,
Mr Kovtun and Mr Putin,
In the hands of Mr Lugovoy,
Mr Kovtun and Mr Putin,
therefore, it's not simply
a murder weapon...
..but also a calling card.
Mr Emmerson, thank you.
What now?
Now we wait for his judgement.
Now we wait for his judgement.
The judge to judge.
Exactly.
Hello?
Hello?
Mum?
Ya zdes'.
Ya zdes'.
Yesli ya tebye nuzhna, ya zdes'.
Ya ne boyus'.
You stop. I will never stop.
The inquiry has found
that Mr Litvinenko
was deliberately poisoned
by Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun.
The inquiry has also found
that Lugovoy and Kovtun
were acting on behalf of others
when they poisoned Mr Litvinenko.
There is a strong probability
that they were acting
under the direction
that they were acting
under the direction
of the Russian Domestic
Security Service.
The Federal Security Service,
or FSB.
And the inquiry has found
that the FSB operation
to kill Mr Litvinenko was
probably approved by Mr Patrushev,
the then-Head of the FSB...
and by President Putin.
Hi.
Hi.
Wait, what is this?
Why you hide this from me?
When are you due?
Any day now. A little boy.
Oh!
And... well... we were hoping...
Erm, we were hoping...
if you'd be so kind
as to give us your blessing...
if you'd be so kind
as to give us your blessing...
to name him Sasha.
Time to 'and in your 'omework.
If you're wondering
why we're not emailing this
or pressing a button to make
some sort of computer submission,
or pressing a button to make
some sort of computer submission,
it's because I want this
physically handed in.
200 people on this job.
40,000 man hours.
Two strong suspects.
There's a weight of evidence here.
And I want 'em to feel that weight.
I want 'em to hold
all your hard work in their 'ands
before they make their decision.
It's the biggest job of my career,
this.
And I know it's the same
for many of you.
So well done.
Now, we just need a volunteer
to take it round to CPS, please?
Now, we just need a volunteer
to take it round to CPS, please?
Marina? It's in.
Now all we can do is wait.
No.
Ooh! Somebody can't stay away, look.
Ooh! Somebody can't stay away, look.
What?
The CPS have agreed
to press charges.
And request extradition.
But you knew that already.
No.
Then... Then why are you here?
Because Marina wants a meeting.
And she wants it
at her lawyer's place.
Why would Marina need a lawyer?
Why would Marina need a lawyer?
What my client would like,
while the CPS considers its options,
is a public inquest
into her husband's death.
She believes that an inquest
will maintain public awareness.
She believes
it will expedite matters.
She believes it will give us all,
and we include you in this,
a far better chance
of establishing Russian culpability.
Sorry. Erm, SHE believes this,
or you do?
Louise Christian
is a Human Rights lawyer.
Louise Christian
is a Human Rights lawyer.
Very experienced.
She explain what we...
To be clear, my client does not need
your permission for any of this.
She's just making you aware.
Marina, we were going to call you
about this,
but given you wanted a meeting,
we agreed that it would be better
coming in person.
Um... the CPS has decided
to press murder charges.
And to request extradition.
It's fantastic news.
Yes. But won't change anything.
Extradition won't follow.
Extradition won't follow.
Extradition will be requested
by the British Embassy directly.
Fine, but they're not
gonna get anywhere.
We don't know that.
No?
How did your detectives get on
when they were in Moscow?
I am in the process of finding
a barrister to represent my client.
You don't need to do that.
If by a miracle...
It confuses things.
..extradition is granted...
It gets in the way.
..we can all reconvene.
That way,
we will waste no more time.
What do you mean "more time"?
Is that fair?
What do you mean "more time"?
Is that fair?
I address that to you,
you being most senior, yes?
Look, you either trust in the
British justice system or you don't.
Honestly? I could trust in it more.
I'm not talking about you,
I'm talking about your client,
or "Marina" as we tend to call her.
She asked us to do a job, we did it,
we put colleagues' lives in danger,
and now we need to let it play out.
Stop!
It's like cats and dogs.
Here's an idea.
Whatever the decision
over extradition,
Whatever the decision
over extradition,
it shouldn't take
more than a few days to arrive.
The second it does,
we let Marina know.
From that moment on,
everyone around this table
agrees to support Marina
with an inquest
or whatever you choose to do next.
How does that sound?
- Peter?
- 'You near a television?'
Er... yeah.
'It's called "Russia TV".'
Russia TV?
'Right the way up.'
If you get to the dirty ones,
you've gone too far.
There.
"Putin on Litvinenko.
"An insignificant target who the FSB
would not have bothered murdering."
When are the Embassy
asking for extradition?
'This afternoon.'
'This afternoon.'
Talk about bad timing.
No, this...
this isn't timing, Clive.
This is him
giving his answer in advance.
'What you're watching
is a televised fuck you.'
The Russians are not
going to allow extradition.
We heard about an hour ago.
I wanted to be the one to tell you.
Face to face.
This is why we ask for a meeting.
We know this would happen.
And... police work is finish.
A murder case is never closed.
You're working on this now?
Personally?
Clive working on this now?
Brent...
Brent...
I trust you... very much.
From beginning,
all of you, you...
try to catch these men.
But now it is... done.
If I want to continue fighting...
Marina, I'm always here.
If you need someone to talk...
If... I want to continue fighting...
..I fight on my own. Yes?
..I fight on my own. Yes?
Hm?
Er, Louise, I don't understand.
You are my lawyer.
I'm your solicitor.
But if there's an inquest,
we'll need a barrister, too.
And there are a lot of good ones
in London.
HE is one of the very best.
Hello? Here to see Ben Emmerson.
'One moment, please.'
So... the question for you
is never gonna be,
"Is he good enough?"
But "Do I trust him?
And "Does this feel right?"
Well, they're gonna be pleased
with the teapot.
That's excellent.
That's excellent.
But here's the one
that seals it for me,
the U-bend from Lugovoy's sink.
Because I'm sorry,
polonium might do many things,
but it doesn't cross-contaminate
its way
into the U-bend of your sink.
You have to pour it there.
This shows
that these are the men responsible.
Yes?
Well, when you factor in
all the rest of it, unquestionably.
But it is very important to say,
Mrs Litvinenko,
that if you and I
are to work together on this,
push for this inquest,
then our objective
push for this inquest,
then our objective
cannot be to show these are the men
that killed your husband.
But I need to show this.
That's not our brief.
It is brief.
It's not the one I've been given.
May I show you?
Not that you won't have
seen it already.
'That this may be the time
'to say one or two things
to the person responsible.
'You may succeed in silencing me,
'but the howl of protest from
around the world will reverberate,
'Mr Putin, in your ears
for the rest of your life.'
It's not what
your husband's asking us.
He wants us to lay this
at the door of Vladimir Putin.
That is the brief.
So if we do this,
and even though it might take
So if we do this,
and even though it might take
a considerable amount of time...
..then that is what
I suggest we try and do.
Before any inquest can begin,
the rules of the game
need to be established.
What is, or... or is not admissible,
and so on...
But none of what happens here's
gonna be a trial.
It's not us versus them,
it's a lot of stuffy old lawyers
like me, putting a lot of things
before a judge,
and it's for the judge alone
to decide.
The judge to judge.
Precisely.
But first,
we need to jump through some hoops.
Our preliminary assessment
does establish a prima facie case
as to the culpability
of the Russian state
in the death
of Alexander Litvinenko.
Mr Emmerson?
Sir, may I thank the inquest team
for their preliminary report.
That there is a case
for Russian state responsibility
in the death of Mr Litvinenko
is, of course, something
that my client
has been hoping to explore
since her husband made clear to her,
since her husband made clear to her,
whilst dying,
that that was his own belief.
In which case,
I will look to confirm the date
on which we can begin
the substantive hearings.
Ben is very happy. Very positive.
Everything take time, of course,
but Ben says there is good chance
to prove Russian responsibility
at highest level.
He keeps fighting.
You keep fighting...
Ben and I, well, we keep fighting.
Ben and I, well, we keep fighting.
What?
Well, nothing. It's...
You've said the name "Ben"
three times in the last minutes.
What is wrong with that?
Nothing. Nothing.
Stop.
This is very dangerous situation
for me.
Do you not see?
Yes.
I put... all my hope...
in this one man.
I put... all my hope...
in this one man.
In this one place.
Izvini, Marina.
Izvini.
Right.
Sorry.
Ready.
Boss?
Boss?
Boss?
Boris?
Boss?
Boss?
The judge is gonna
invite the Government
to hold a public inquiry.
You know, that would mean that
the materials they wanted hidden
will remain hidden, but that he,
crucial, will get to see them.
will remain hidden, but that he,
crucial, will get to see them.
Not just see them,
take them into consideration.
This is good?
Oh, it's a hell of a lot better
than it was at lunchtime,
put it that way.
Right. Er... you're Temple,
I'm Chancery Lane, so...
H-How long will this take?
Too long. Probably.
But then...
we knew that it would, didn't we?
Knowing's half the battle.
Standard!
Taxi!
He makes a series
of anti-Putin remarks, like Sasha.
Then the next thing you know,
like Sasha,
he's found dead
in unexplained circumstances.
But not like Sasha in that
he had a scarf round his neck,
But not like Sasha in that
he had a scarf round his neck,
bruising, all along there...
I'm not saying
that it's not suicide...
And the door was locked
from the inside.
..I'm saying
it's worth investigating.
You know what, Brent?
It's a simple job.
You get a brief, you get to work,
you make your submission to CPS,
or not, depending,
then you move onto the next one.
Staying emotionally attached...
You mean caring?
..is not a strength.
Not in the way you think it is.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Oh, I... Guv. Sorry.
Hey.
OK. Tell me.
All right. I'm coming right now.
I feel like we keep running
into the same brick wall.
Well... at least we get to run
into it together.
Thank you.
'The UK has refused a request
'to set up a public inquiry
to replace the inquest
'into the death of the former
Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
'Mr Litvinenko was poisoned
with radioactive polonium
'Mr Litvinenko was poisoned
with radioactive polonium
'in London in 2006,
'a disappointing decision,
then, for the family today.'
Six reasons from the Home Secretary
for why a public inquiry
is being refused.
Including, risibly, the admission
that international relations
are a factor.
Which, to translate into English
from the original bullshit,
means that trade opportunities
are more important to this country
than the life of...
of one of its citizens.
than the life of...
of one of its citizens.
Maybe Government knows
it was not actually Putin.
But it WAS actually Putin.
What Russian citizen
would dare do something like this
without his blessing?
But, you know,
Putin's not the problem.
Well... he's not the only problem.
What today proves more than anything
is that we are taking on
an entire regime here.
One that is immoral. Cowardly.
One that is immoral. Cowardly.
One that, yeah...
it dances to Putin's drum.
One that deludes itself
into believing that
it has an international relevance
that it lost long ago.
But as of today,
the regime we're up against
isn't the Russian regime.
It's the United Kingdom.
You smoke? No.
Do not smoke, Anatoly.
Do sports like your father.
Sport's not exactly my thing.
How about, er,
helping your mother with shopping?
Is this your thing?
Alex is coming later.
I was gonna take these
to the cemetery, but...
maybe tomorrow.
I can do it now.
I can do it now.
Anatoly's school fees are settled.
The apartment is secure, but...
The apartment is secure, but...
there can be no more money
taken from the estate.
We certainly cannot afford
barristers like Ben Emmerson.
So...
..that's it?
I just tell him it's over?
Everything stop?
Sorry.
OK. So, er... no more money.
OK. So, er... no more money.
We think of new way.
Marina...
..it's been seven years.
Seven years.
I think it's time for you
to ask yourself the question,
"What more can I do?"
The grave was covered in moss
and leaves and stuff.
The grave was covered in moss
and leaves and stuff.
But I... took care of it.
We should never let it
get like that.
Thank you.
There are three things
we could be doing.
One, keep this in the public eye,
two, keep the police onside,
and three... wait. Crucial.
and three... wait. Crucial.
Every time Putin does something,
influences an election,
annexes Georgia,
the pressure mounts.
And there'll come a point
when even the British Government
can't be seen to look the other way.
And when that day comes,
that's when we strike.
You haven't touched your sandwich.
This morning I, erm,
visit Louise Christian.
This morning I, erm,
visit Louise Christian.
I explain her...
..I am very scared.
From now on... no more money.
Expensive barrister...
..and not possible.
So now you've come to see me.
So now you've come to see me.
You've bought a sandwich
you don't even want,
and... and do you wanna know
what I think?
I think...
..I think we're just gonna
have to carry on anyway,
Here's what I think.
You and I, we've started something,
and... well, I'm afraid
that I'm just gonna have to insist
we see it right through to the end.
I also think you need to put
that sandwich back in your bag.
I also think you need to put
that sandwich back in your bag.
Take it home for Anatoly...
Yes.
..before I eat it for him.
Thank you, Ben.
"Dear Mr Putin,
"my name is Marina Litvinenko.
"I believe you to be responsible
for the murder of my husband.
"I believe you to be responsible
for the murder of my husband.
"I have shared this belief
with the British media.
"And I have asked my Prime Minister
to authorise a public inquiry
"so that you may be held to account.
"In the words of my husband,
may God forgive you."
Sorry about the wait.
Forgive me. Thanks.
What are we doing this afternoon?
No... don't... don't answer that.
I'll tell you exactly
what we're doing.
I cannot understand
why the British Government
needs to cover
for the people in Kremlin
responsible for the murder
of my husband.
responsible for the murder
of my husband.
After all,
the Government is supposed to be
interested in finding out
who is responsible
for the murder of a British citizen
on the streets of London.
Now... the decision
is up to Theresa May.
Brent?
'I call on her
to begin an investigation.
'I want to ask her,
as one woman to another...'
..how would she feel in my place?
'If her husband were murdered
in such a way,
'If her husband were murdered
in such a way,
'would she not want to know
the truth?'
'Our correspondent
Juliet Bremner is in Westminster...'
Mum? Mum!
Shto takoy?
Shto takoy?
Mum.
It's in the Ukraine.
But they think it was shot down
by Russia.
Isn't that the kind of thing
we've been waiting for?
The thing they can't ignore?
Hello?
So, what? She's just coming over?
Is that like a...
like a Russian thing?
Like with Australians?
You all just invite yourself round?
You don't need to tidy up.
She's not that sort of person.
She's nice.
This morning...
Theresa May, she decided,
"Yes, we have inquiry."
"Yes, we have inquiry."
I wanted to tell you, Brent,
before anyone else.
Straight away,
I know Brent needs to know this
because Brent was
the first person at the hospital.
Yes.
Late at night...
Yes.
How many years ago now?
Eight years this year.
First person to believe my husband.
First person to believe my husband.
To listen to us.
This is very big moment.
And you'll need everyone
on the police side
to take part in the inquiry,
I'm presuming?
Then that's what we'll do.
We were about to have some food,
Marina. Will you stay?
Everything OK?
Brent.
For me and Anatoly,
this inquiry is easy.
We stand in public, and we say,
"Vladimir Putin is murderer."
Because it is family.
For other people, this is...
..big risk.
You must think about
the things closest to you.
Marina...
The people you love.
We're giving evidence,
we're giving it everything,
and we're doing it for you.
End of.
You will?
You just try and stop him!
All right, come on,
that's enough. Excuse us.
Rise.
Sir, my... client...
Mrs Litvinenko...
..as you know, has fought
long and hard to reach this,
the opening day of a public inquiry
into the assassination
of her husband in 2006.
That murder was an act
of unspeakable barbarism.
That murder was an act
of unspeakable barbarism.
The significance
of this dreadful murder, though,
resonates far beyond
those immediately involved.
It is a matter
of grave national
and international concern.
On his deathbed, Mr Litvinenko
accused Vladimir Putin
of having ordered his assassination.
And we say, sir, on hearing
all the evidence out before you
And we say, sir, on hearing
all the evidence out before you
that you will conclude...
.."He was right about that."
Brent?
Hello, Jim.
I'm sorry to do this out the blue.
The original interview transcripts,
how do I get those?
There'll be summaries
on the database. Operation Whimbrel.
No, not the summaries.
The whole lot.
No, not the summaries.
The whole lot.
'How soon do you need 'em?'
How soon can you get them?
Mrs Litvinenko,
when you first met your husband,
what did you understand
his job to be?
He was, er, special unit. FSB.
He was, er, special unit. FSB.
But he had concerns over corruption
within the FSB, did he not?
To the point where he submitted
a report to the head of the FSB.
That is correct.
Who was the head of the FSB
at that time?
Vladimir Putin.
Thank you.
Mrs Litvinenko,
when he reported those concerns,
Mrs Litvinenko,
when he reported those concerns,
did he think Mr Putin
would act on them at all?
No. Very soon,
Sasha realised that...
..Putin will not act
against these people.
No... why?
Because Putin knows these people.
He protect them. Protect himself.
Putin was involved in these plots.
That was your husband's view?
Yes.
'Thank you very much indeed.'
Sir, the...
the next witnesses will be
from the Metropolitan Police,
Members of SO15, counter-terrorism,
and the detective who led
the murder investigation itself.
Polonium was found
at the Itsu restaurant
where Lugovoy and Kovtun ate.
In the Millennium Hotel
where they stayed.
In the Pine Bar
which they visited.
At the table where they sat.
Er, in the teapot that they ordered.
In the spout of the teapot
that they ordered.
That was on the table
where they sat.
In both their hotel rooms.
In the U-bend of the basin
in Mr Lugovoy's room.
And, erm, well,
several other sites across London,
And, erm, well,
several other sites across London,
too long to commit to memory...
Thank you, Mr...?
..including the seats
they sat in on the flight
they flew in on from Moscow.
Thank you, Mr Timmons.
Lugovoy was career-KGB.
Mr Litvinenko mentioned
that in his statement,
but we, of course,
carried out our own investigations,
and we are able to verify that.
And, if I may, it's worth saying
that just this week,
And, if I may, it's worth saying
that just this week,
Mr Lugovoy was given a medal
for "services to the motherland".
And you mention that...?
We just all thought
it was curious timing, that's all.
You interviewed Mr Lugovoy
in December, 2006.
Yes, that is correct.
Am I right in saying there is
no tape recording of that interview?
I am afraid that is also correct.
That is unfortunate, is it not?
That would be an understatement.
Since-Since-Since you've paused,
Mr Tam, may I ask Mr Tarpey...
Is it right to say that it's not
the case that there was no tape...?
Yes, there was a physical tape...
There was a tape
provided by the Russians
that purported to be of Mr Lugovoy,
but which was later
found to be blank,
or wiped, perhaps.
Yes. That is correct.
Yes. That is correct.
An important clarification, I think.
Mr Hyatt, the interviews
that you conducted
with Mr Litvinenko in hospital,
do you have the transcripts
with you there?
Now, for this section, Sir,
unusually,
we will be adducing evidence
relating to the death
of Mr Litvinenko...
from Mr Litvinenko himself.
from Mr Litvinenko himself.
The suggestion is that Mr Hyatt
reads some of his questions
aloud for the court.
And that I shall read the answers
given by Mr Litvinenko.
Starting, then, Mr Hyatt...
Erm...
At the bottom of page 078,
I'm asking Sasha about the work
he was asked to do by the FSB.
Erm, "Your job was to kill?
"That's what you're saying? Who?"
"That's what you're saying? Who?"
"Enemies of The Russian State.
They give me names.
"They must be killed.
"That is why I am here today."
"Because you killed?"
"Because I refuse.
This job is not human.
"FSB is corrupt.
"I want to tell this to the world."
Then further on, at 085,
I say to him, "You became a target?
I say to him, "You became a target?
"They've sent someone over
to London?"
Sasha agreed with that.
Said he thought someone had been
sent from Moscow to poison him.
Then my colleague, Jim Dawson, asks,
"Do you have any idea
who might have ordered this?"
"I know the man
who makes order for this.
"The man who says I must die."
"You have a name?
Let's start with a name."
"You have a name?
Let's start with a name."
"His name...
"..Vladimir Putin."
Mr Emmerson?
Sir.
The final chapter will come,
of course,
when you deliver your report...
when you deliver your report...
But the evidence here, Sir,
is utterly objective...
..utterly damning,
and it has the simplicity
of undeniable fact.
Polonium-210
is only manufactured in Russia.
In a tightly controlled
state facility... in Russia.
In the hands of Mr Lugovoy,
Mr Kovtun and Mr Putin,
In the hands of Mr Lugovoy,
Mr Kovtun and Mr Putin,
therefore, it's not simply
a murder weapon...
..but also a calling card.
Mr Emmerson, thank you.
What now?
Now we wait for his judgement.
Now we wait for his judgement.
The judge to judge.
Exactly.
Hello?
Hello?
Mum?
Ya zdes'.
Ya zdes'.
Yesli ya tebye nuzhna, ya zdes'.
Ya ne boyus'.
You stop. I will never stop.
The inquiry has found
that Mr Litvinenko
was deliberately poisoned
by Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun.
The inquiry has also found
that Lugovoy and Kovtun
were acting on behalf of others
when they poisoned Mr Litvinenko.
There is a strong probability
that they were acting
under the direction
that they were acting
under the direction
of the Russian Domestic
Security Service.
The Federal Security Service,
or FSB.
And the inquiry has found
that the FSB operation
to kill Mr Litvinenko was
probably approved by Mr Patrushev,
the then-Head of the FSB...
and by President Putin.
Hi.
Hi.
Wait, what is this?
Why you hide this from me?
When are you due?
Any day now. A little boy.
Oh!
And... well... we were hoping...
Erm, we were hoping...
if you'd be so kind
as to give us your blessing...
if you'd be so kind
as to give us your blessing...
to name him Sasha.