The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan has opened a criminal investigation following the deaths of Russian journalist Inessa Papernaya, her companion, and a 47-year-old Uzbek citizen at the Karaman Palace hotel in Tashkent, according to Podrobno.uz.
Inessa Papernaya, known for her work with Lenta and Profil magazine, was in Uzbekistan for vacation reports telegram channel Baza. On the evening of October 20, hotel staff attempted to deliver a package to her room but were unable to reach her by phone or after knocking on the door. The hotel management decided to enter the room, where they found the bodies of Papernaya and her companion.
Preliminary forensic examinations indicate that the deaths were caused by poisoning from gas that entered the ventilation system. It is suspected that marsh gas was released into the ventilation system during pool cleaning at the hotel on the night of October 19-20. The gas is believed to have risen through the ducts and entered Papernaya’s room.
Additionally, on the same night, a 47-year-old Uzbek man was found dead in a neighboring room. A criminal case has been initiated under Article 186 of the Uzbek Criminal Code, which covers the provision of unsafe services resulting in human casualties. The hotel has since been sealed as investigations continue.
The body of the Russian journalist is expected to be transported to Moscow within the next two days.
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