Russian chess player Amina Abakarova is accused of poisoning her opponent, Umayganat Osmanova, with mercury before a tournament.
The Russian Chess Federation stated that an investigation has been launched into Abakarova and that she has been temporarily suspended from national competitions. The federation added that Abakarova could face a lifetime ban once the ongoing legal process is concluded.
According to reports in local media, shortly after the tournament began, Abakarova's opponent, Osmanova, fell ill and was taken to the hospital. When authorities reviewed security camera footage, they discovered that Abakarova had poured mercury on the game board with the intent to poison her opponent.
Poisoned due to 'personal animosity'
Abakarova described her action as a "sudden decision made due to personal animosity," arguing that it had nothing to do with the chess tournament. In the lawsuit filed for causing harm to health, a prison sentence is being requested for Abakarova.
Mercury, which can be effective even in very small amounts, is known as a nervous system toxin. It can directly affect the central nervous system and the renal system, leading to the impairment of brain function.
News Source: 12punto
