Trial on alledged Russian hitman starts in Berlin

The investigation into this apparent contract killing could once again jolt the already strained German-Russian relations. About one year ago, a Chechen exile was shot dead in Berlin. Shortly after the crime, the suspicion that Russian secret services could be behind the killing arose. In fact in June, the German federal prosecutor’s office accused the arrested perpetrator of acting on behalf of the Russian state. The alleged perpetrator’s trial now begins in Berlin. Its outcome could lead to a tipping point in German-Russian relations. A ruling is expected in late January.