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16. 11. 09. - 15:00

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16. 11. 09. - 15:00

British PM asked to raise questions about Vienna UN death

By David Rogers

Gordon Brown is being urged to intervene in an investigation into the mysterious death of British scientist Timothy Hampton.

The nuclear expert fell to his death from the 17th floor of a UN building in Vienna last month.

UN officials had suggested that the 47-year-old, who was involved in monitoring illegal nuclear tests by Iran and North Korea and worked for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation, had killed himself.

But tests commissioned by his family have raised doubts about the findings of a first post-mortem examination and suggest that Hampton, from Newbury, may have been murdered.

Richard Benyon, Hampton’s MP, said: "I have grave misgivings about this case. I am told Hampton was not suicidal.

"He was happy in his work, loved living in Vienna and was devoted to his partner and three-year-old child.

"Yet his death seems to be being swept under the carpet. I am asking the PM not to allow this to happen."

Earlier this week, the UN denied claims that Hampton was involved in talks discussing nuclear testing in Iran although they admitted later he gathered information from Iran about whether any illegal nuclear testing was taking place.

The police investigation is now complete and the file has been handed to prosecutors who will consider whether further action needs to be taken.

A spokesman said: "With regards to the second autopsy - the private autopsy results will also be sent to Vienna State prosecutors who are now running the investigation."

Austrian Times

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