• Tuesday, 24 December 2024

IAEA: Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant chief released from detainment

IAEA: Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant chief released from detainment
Vienna, 3 October 2022 (dpa/MIA) - The director general of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in south-eastern Ukraine has been released from custody, the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Monday. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi wrote on Twitter he had "received confirmation" that Ihor Murashov had been "returned to his family." On Saturday, Ukrainian authorities accused Russian forces of kidnapping Murashov, saying he was dragged out of his car and whisked away blindfolded. Grossi did not specifically name Russia or provide details on what happened to Murashov. Russia seized control of the Zaporizhzhya plant in early March. Since then, repeated shelling in the area has damaged power infrastructure and hit buildings on the sprawling site. The warring sides have traded blame for the attacks. The IAEA has warned that fighting risks igniting a nuclear catastrophe and has called for a "safety and security zone" to be set around the plant, which remains staffed by Ukrainian workers.