Moscow - Andrei Lugovi, the prime suspect in the murder case of Kremlin opponent Alexander Litvinenko, is to run for Russian parliament (Duma) as number 2 on the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) list, Duma Deputy Speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky announced Sunday. According to the Interfax news agency, Lugovoi agreed to run in the election with the LDPR, led by the nationalist Zhirinovsky.
Former Russian secret service agent Lugovoi is accused by Britain's Scotland Yard of administering a lethal dose of polonium to Litvinenko at a meeting in a London restaurant. Litvinenko later died of polonium poisoning on November 23, 2006. Lugovoi denies involvement.
Zhirinovsky has called the accusations against Lugovoi a targeted campaign by the West against Russian citizens.
Lugovoi's candidacy is to be confirmed at a LDPR party gathering on Monday.
Speaking to the Russian radio broadcaster Echo Moskvy, Lugovoi said he would elaborate on his political ambitions after the LDPR made its decision.
The Zhirinovsky-led LDPR is considered assured of passing the 7 per cent electoral hurdle to enter the Duma.
