On the 1st of last month (local time), workers are seen performing their duties in the central control room of Reactor 5 at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under the United Nations, announced the inspection results of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on the 6th, amid growing safety concerns due to repeated shelling, and urged the establishment of a protective zone around the plant. [Provided by IAEA. Sale and advertisement prohibited]
Raphael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has called on Russia to release the director of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and allow him to immediately resume his duties, major foreign media reported on the 2nd (local time).
Director General Grossi expressed hope that "Director Ihor Murashov will safely return to his family and be able to immediately resume his important duties at the nuclear power plant," the IAEA said via social media late last night.
The IAEA also explained that the detention of Director Murashov is a matter that has a very serious impact not only on him personally but also on the safety and security standards of the nuclear power plant, and that it is in contact with relevant authorities to seek clarification.
Director Murashov was detained by a Russian patrol around 4 p.m. on the 30th of last month while heading from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the nearby city of Enerhodar. The Russian patrol reportedly blindfolded Murashov and took him somewhere.
This fact became known through a statement by Energoatom, the operator of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and when the IAEA demanded an explanation, Russia stated that Murashov was temporarily detained for questioning.
Petro Kotin, CEO of Energoatom, claimed that "Russia will force Director Murashov to hand over control of the nuclear power plant." He added that Russian forces are demanding that their employees at the plant sign documents to transfer to the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom.
Russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in March of this year, shortly after invading Ukraine.
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