Iraq WMD Whistleblower, British Scientist David Kelley, Dead Just Days After Making Disclosure

by DEBKAfile

19 July 2003

Mrs Janice Kelly confirms body of man found in south British woodland Friday was her husband, Dr. David Kelly, and police conclusion that he committed suicide.

Blair on Far East trip promises independent inquiry into death of scientist named by secretary Hoon as main source for BBC program accusing Downing Street communications director Alistair Campbell of blowing up (falsely enhancing) Iraq WMD weapons report. Kelly denied charge when grilled by parliamentary committee Tuesday.

Most British dailies crucify government over tragedy. Below is sampling of Saturday headlines in London press:

London Press Headlines on Kelly 's Death – Saturday July 19, 2003

Dr. David Kelly, 59, a microbiologist and bio-arms expert at the British Ministry of Defense, was in Baghdad in June and due to return to take up a position with the Iraq Survey Group, a Pentagon-led effort to take over the search for Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction.

Daily Mirror: SPUN TO DEATH – Iraq expert driven to suicide

The Sun: DEATH OF A MOLE

Daily Mail: PROUD OF YOURSELVES? (over pictures of Campbell, Blair and Hoon)

The Times: DAVID KELLY, VICTIM OF ANOTHER WAR? (Between 10 Downing St. and BBC)

The Independent: THE DEATH OF A CIVIL SERVANT, A CASUALTY OF WAR

The Scotsman: SHADOW OF DEATH FALLS ON BLAIR

Financial Times: WEAPONS EXPERT’S DEATH FUELS IRAQ CRISIS. TRAGEDY JOLTS BLAIR BACK TO REALITY