Uzbek authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the death of 47-year-old Russian journalist Inessa Papernaya and two others at a hotel in Tashkent. According to Hayot Shamsutdinov, spokesman for the Uzbek Prosecutor-General's Office, forensic examinations have been ordered to determine the cause of death. Papernaya, who worked for Lenta.ru and Profil magazine, was found dead on October 20 alongside her companion at the Karaman Palace hotel. Preliminary reports suggest the cause was gas poisoning from the hotel's ventilation system, possibly linked to pool maintenance. The body of an Uzbek citizen was discovered in a nearby room. The hotel has been sealed as authorities continue their investigation. Papernaya's body is expected to be repatriated to Moscow within two days. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, click here.
