Amina Abakarova, a 40-year-old chess coach from Makhachkala, Dagestan, has been suspended by the Russian Chess Federation after being accused of allegedly poisoning her rival, Umayganat Osmanova, during the Dagestan Chess Championship on August 2, 2024.
The CCTV Footage
Security camera footage captured Abakarova approaching Osmanova’s chessboard and smearing mercury on it, where Osmanova was set to play 20 minutes later.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Osmanova started experiencing severe dizziness and nausea. Later, medical assessments indicated poisoning, prompting an urgent call for help. The security footage was key in identifying Abakarova as the suspect and she was later reported to the authorities.
Motive and Admission
Abakarova confessed to the act, citing “personal hostility” towards Osmanova according to Metro. She admitted that she intended to scare Osmanova, rather than cause harm, following a recent loss to her rival in a regional championship. Dagestan’s Minister of Sport, Sazhida Sazhidova, has expressed shock at Abakarova’s actions, noting that they could have resulted in tragic consequences.
Osmanova’s Reaction, Legal and Professional Consequences
Osmanova described her experience as “terrible” and “disgusting,” noting a “taste of iron” and had difficulty breathing. Despite the ordeal, she continued to compete in the tournament and finished in second place, winning a prize.
Abakarova is now facing up to three years in prison, as reported by The Mirror. The Russian Chess Federation has suspended her from participating in chess events and is considering a lifetime ban, pending further investigation.
Watch the footage here:
@c4news A Russian chess champion has been arrested after allegedly smearing deadly poison on their rival’s chess pieces ahead of a match. Security footage from the tournament site in Dagestan reportedly shows the moment Amina Abarakova approaches the table and smears a substance over her opponent’s board. She’s reported to have said it was revenge after a “personal insult”. #Russia #chess #poison #c4news
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