How 1 "Pimple" Killed a Man in 24 Hours (A Stranger Bumped Into Him)

Summary

The script recounts the mysterious assassination of Bulgarian dissident and BBC journalist Georgi Markov in 1978. After a seemingly accidental encounter with an umbrella, Markov fell ill with symptoms of blood poisoning, leading to his death. An autopsy revealed a tiny pellet containing traces of the poison ricin, suggesting a KGB-backed plot by the Bulgarian government to silence him. Despite investigations and confessions years later, the full details of the 'Bulgarian umbrella' assassination remain shrouded in mystery.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian journalist at the BBC, was poisoned by an umbrella tip in 1978.
• 🏥 Markov's sudden illness was initially thought to be blood poisoning, but he suspected a deliberate attack.
• 📚 Before his BBC career, Markov was a famous author and playwright in Bulgaria, known for his critical stance against the communist regime.
• 🔒 Markov's work led to censorship and he eventually defected to England, where he continued to criticize the Bulgarian government.
• 💉 An autopsy revealed a tiny metal pellet in Markov's thigh, indicating a targeted poisoning.
• 🔍 The poison used was identified as ricin, a deadly toxin derived from castor beans.
• 🌐 Ricin poisoning can be fatal and has no cure, with symptoms appearing within hours of exposure.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The investigation into Markov's death implicated the Bulgarian secret service and the KGB, with a confession from former officers.
• 🌂 The 'Bulgarian umbrella' was a KGB-designed weapon, capable of firing poison pellets, used in Markov's assassination.
• 🗞️ The case remained unsolved for many years, with key evidence and documents disappearing, and suspects dying or evading capture.
• 🛡️ NordVPN is highlighted in the script as a sponsor, promoting its services for cybersecurity and protection against DDoS attacks.

Q & A

Who was Georgi Markov and what was his profession?

Georgi Markov was a Bulgarian man who worked as a journalist at the BBC and was a former famous author and playwright in Bulgaria.

What unusual incident occurred to Georgi Markov during his lunch break in September 1978?

Georgi Markov felt a strange, stinging pain in the back of his leg, which was caused by someone bumping into him with the pointy end of an umbrella, leaving a small spot of blood on his jeans.

What were the initial suspicions about Georgi Markov's sudden illness?

Doctors initially suspected that Georgi Markov might have blood poisoning, while he himself believed that he was intentionally harmed.

How did Georgi Markov's relationship with his home country sour and lead to his departure?

Georgi Markov's works were denounced and censored by the pro-Communist government in Bulgaria. His plays were closed down, and he faced increasing pressure from authorities, which led him to leave for Italy in 1969 and later relocate to London.