Poisoned Russian Ex-Spy Worsens 'Dramatically'

Livinenko on November 20 (epa)

November 23, 2006 -- Doctors at a London hospital say the condition of former Russian intelligence agent Aleksandr Litvinenko, who was poisoned in London three weeks ago, dramatically worsened overnight.

"We can confirm there was a dramatic deterioration in Aleksandr Litvinenko's condition overnight and that he is critically ill, in intensive care," Geoff Bellingham, the clinical director of the University Hospital College in London, told reporters.

Bellingham said doctors were convinced Litvinenko's condition was not due to a heavy metal such as thallium. He said radiation poisoning is also unlikely.

Litvinenko was an open critic of the Kremlin. Russian officials have denied any involvement.

(Reuters, AFP)