Zaporizhia nuclear power plant chief detained by Russian forces "released"

"The director of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, who was detained by Russian forces, has been released," IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) Director-General Rafael Grossi announced on October 3rd (local time).

According to AFP/Reuters, Director General Grossi said via social media, "It has been confirmed that Director Ihor Murashov has safely returned to his family. I welcome his release."

Murashov was captured by a Russian patrol party on September 30th on his way to Enerhodar, a city near the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. Russian patrols reportedly took Murashov somewhere after covering his eyes.

When Energoatom, the operator of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, announced that this fact had come to light, the IAEA asked for clarification, and the Russian side said it had "temporarily detained Director Murashov so that he could be questioned."