Reopening a Historic Case
In a dramatic development, Russian MP Nikolai Burlyaev has urged the country’s Investigative Committee—the Russian equivalent of the FBI—to reopen the case surrounding the death of legendary poet Mikhail Lermontov.
Lermontov, often celebrated as Russia’s “second Pushkin,” was killed in a duel in the summer of 1841. However, Burlyaev claims the initial investigation was riddled with inconsistencies and has called for a new inquiry to uncover the truth.
A Conspiracy Theory Emerges
Burlyaev, who is also a filmmaker, argues that Lermontov’s death was not a tragic accident but a calculated murder. According to his theory, the duel was not a fair fight but a premeditated plot, potentially orchestrated by Tsar Nicholas I.
This suspicion is not without precedent. For decades, historians, forensic experts, and ballistics specialists have pointed to anomalies in the case, such as the peculiar angle of the bullet trajectory, which reportedly entered Lermontov’s body from below at a 40-degree angle.
Artistic Interpretations and Broader Theories
In his 1986 film Lermontov, where he both directed and played the lead role, Burlyaev depicted the poet firing into the air while his opponent, Nikolai Martynov, took careful aim. The film also suggests a broader conspiracy involving the monarchy, Freemasons, and other alleged “hidden enemies.”
Some nationalist commentators have taken this even further, speculating that foreign powers may have been involved in Lermontov’s untimely demise.
A Pattern of Historical Reinvestigations
This is not the first time the Investigative Committee has revisited Russia’s historical events. The agency previously reopened the case of Tsar Nicholas II’s execution, turning historical debates into matters of state. With the government’s tight control over education and historical narratives, the findings of these investigations often carry more influence than academic research.
Modern Politics Meets History
Burlyaev’s plea has sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of leveraging state resources to advance personal theories. Whether the Investigative Committee will take up the 184-year-old case remains uncertain.
History Under Political Spotlight
One thing is clear: in Russia, even the past is not immune to modern political intrigue, as historical figures and events become tools in the struggle for influence over the nation’s narrative.
