A recent volley of headlines includes:

"Russia murdered Litvinenko, says top prosecutor," The Sunday Times, October 2

"Alexander Litvinenko murder was 'London nuclear terror,'" BBC News, October 13

"Litvinenko coroner to examine if Russian state behind killing," The Telegraph, October 13

All these headlines seem to assert that Litvinenko was in fact murdered. Perhaps the most egregious headline is that of the Sunday Times. It seems to be asserting that a top prosecutor has accused Russia of murdering Litvinenko. What the headline neglects to mention is the fact that this "top prosecutor" is a former prosecutor who is now a lawyer with Matrix Chambers. According to his official bio, his practice includes "business and corporate crime and associated extraditions, financial regulation, market abuse, terrorism, human rights, and media law." It is unclear as to what his current connection with the Litvinenko case may be.

Beyond those headlines, other news organizations appear to be sure about the cause of Litvinenko's death:

The New York Times reported "...Litvinenko died after ingesting a rare radioactive isotope, Polonium 210..." (October 14)

The Washington Post carried an AP story asserting that "Litvinenko died in a London hospital after ingesting a radioactive substance, polonium-210." (October 14)

But what are the facts?

In connection with my forthcoming book, "The Phony Litvinenko Murder" (Omnicom Press), I contacted the coroner's office seeking clarification. I wrote:

"Based on my present understanding, I will report:

"'As of now, the coroner has not determined that Litvinenko's death was a homicide. Indeed, no certification has been issued as to the cause and manner of death.'

"If that contains any inaccuracies, please correct me. Thanks."

They responded:

"William,

"That is correct.

"Thanks for seeking clarification."

That means it's not really settled that Litvinenko's death was a homicide or that he died from polonium poisoning.

There is a "Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists" that is promulgated by the International Federation of Journalists. It states:

"The journalist shall report only in accordance with facts of which he/she knows the origin."

Given that, there seems to be a number of journalists covering the Litvinenko story who may be guilty of journalistic malfeasance.

William Dunkerley is a media business analyst and consultant. In 2007 he was commissioned by the organizers of the World Congress of the International Federation of Journalists to study and report on media coverage of the Litvinenko poisoning. His forthcoming book, "The Phony Litvinenko Murder," will both reflect upon and update his findings.

Alexander Litvinenko