The prime suspect in the killing of Alexander Litvinenko has cast doubt on whether he will give evidence next week to the public inquiry into the spy's death.
Dmitri Kovtun believes he may be committing an offence under Russian law if he gives evidence to the inquiry, its chairman Sir Robert Owen heard.
The Russian was set to provide testimony from Moscow by video link early on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week after he was granted "core participant status" to the inquiry being held in London's Royal Courts of Justice.
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But Monday's hearing will start three hours later than planned after Sir Robert gave him a noon deadline to decide whether to take part.