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Beslan one year on, what have we learned about the events?
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Posted by: Leprechaun

As I expect the western press will of course be starting to jump on their familiar bandwagon of slating Russia no matter what, but what do others feel?

Me myself I'm disappointed that I know nothing more of the events than I did one year ago, the people of Beslan themselves are still fighting for the truth to be told and must be suffering everyday until they can get closure but will they ever get the closure they deserve?

Posted by: Jutman

Hi

I am not sure there will be much about it in the media. For some time ago, I saw that the survivers themselves fell that the Russian government has done too litle since then.

Posted by: GreenBarb

Children from Beslan have been arriving in the Republic of Ireland for the last four months to a special Holiday Camp setup for them here. They not only get a holiday but also recieve counselling and treatment for the aftermat effects of the hostage situation.

Posted by: Leprechaun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jutman

Hi

I am not sure there will be much about it in the media. For some time ago, I saw that the survivers themselves fell that the Russian government has done too litle since then.

There will be on the day here and in England, the media always look for ways to put down Russia.

Posted by: Chrismc

I didn't realise this was on this evening, missed the first 10 minutes, but the BBC have made a documentary titled "Children of Beslan" it was all spoken through the eyes and voices of the child survivors, no adults were speaking, actual video footage and pictures were shown. Very shocking, a lot of the surviving children want to take revenge on the terrorists when they get older, they spoke of bodies melting before their eyes after bombs were detonated, a little girl being shot because she would not give them her mobile phone and many other harrowing stories, very shocking and makes you realise how lucky we are that we live in relatively safe environments.

Moscow gave each surviving child just 15000rub around Ł290 or $350 and for each parent who lost a child they have been given 20000rub Ł390 or $460.

This is a brief description advertising the BBC documentary

Children of Beslan
Tue 30 Aug, 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm 60mins

On September 1st, 2004, terrorists seized School Number One in Beslan, a provincial town a thousand miles south of Moscow. For three days, 1300 children and adults were held hostage in the school gymnasium with bombs suspended over their heads. When the siege was finally ended after a chaotic firefight with Russian security forces, 171 children and more than 200 adults were dead.

One year on, the child survivors of Beslan tell their stories. In intimate and heart-breaking testimony, the children give their accounts of those three days in hell. They also talk about how they are struggling to rebuild their lives. As one 8 year old boy says: 'We're not the same happy kids we used to be. Even little ones became adults. Now, kids understand everything'.

Chris

Posted by: lester

Missed it!
I'd heard that the programme had been on about 2 weeks ago?

I have written to my MP, as I understand that the School is to be rebuilt,
and I have suggested that a childrens "mini zoo" is incorporated as part
of the new development.
There is a well established charity in UK, Pets as Therapy.
This, to my mind, would be of benefit to the post- trauma healing
process!

What say you?

Posted by: Chrismc

School Number One

Posted by: Chrismc

The Gym where most of the atrocities took place

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by lester

Missed it!
I'd heard that the programme had been on about 2 weeks ago?

I have written to my MP, as I understand that the School is to be rebuilt,
and I have suggested that a childrens "mini zoo" is incorporated as part
of the new development.
There is a well established charity in UK, Pets as Therapy.
This, to my mind, would be of benefit to the post- trauma healing
process!

What say you?

Good idea, I don't know when the documentary was filmed but it was recently and the buildings were still as they were left after the 'shoot out' part derelict and part demolished, nothing looks to have been cleaned up at all. So I would not know how long it will take to clear the site and re-build, it doesn't look like anyone is in a hurry from what was shown.

Some parents now go to school with their kids to watch over them and all Beslan schools are now patrolled by armed guards.

Posted by: lester

That's what I understand about the current situation Chris,
Things move very slowly over there, as we all know.
But I have hopefully asked for "doors to be opened", dialogue started,
with some "expert" help, and me too! I'm up for it!
So that some assistance can be offered, whether or not this happens
is in their hands, but we can hope!

Posted by: bushman

It was a thought provoking and sad film but riveting viewing.
Some of the children have also been to England and other countries over the last year, I wonder if this does any good?
I think the school has been left as a memorial, two new schools have been built but even that has not worked out well, see

BBC News - 8th Aug 05

Posted by: Pin Boy

i got the chills seeing those people held in the gym before the bombs and fire...i visited two schools in ukraine and the gyms were exactly the same (i know, how much different could a gym look?), but they had that familiar "soviet sameness look"...i can't imagine taking another person's life or treating a person so cruelly, child or adult...i'll never get it. course i haven't been fighting the same war for two hundred years or more like many parts of the world are.

pin boy

Posted by: Leprechaun

We had a programme last night about the journey of the book of condolances,

heart breaking stuff, I think we are about to learn more about the true story this week than we have in the entire year.

Has anyone heard about the secret agents involvement??
the sting operation??

theres a bunch of Beslan kids travelling here in Sept for a holiday in Barrettstown, i hope they have a really nice time.

Posted by: Chrismc

There's no such thing as "other people's children"

http://www.moscowhelp.org/en/index.html

Chris

Posted by: Leprechaun

heres the piece that mentions the double agent involvement alleged by Basayev

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=sto...chool_seizure_5

Posted by: Novosibirsk1

I am very, very skeptical of involvement by security services. Border guards and FSB are not choir boys, but this is unthinkable to me. Unfortunately no government can guarantee safety, expecially against fanatics willing to meet their end. This is truly one of the saddest episodes imaginable. Peace to the Motherland and the souls of the suffering.

Posted by: Leprechaun

Yep, one of the biggest dilemas I have with Russia is knowing who's story to believe, its lack of transparency make it its own enemy sometimes.

Posted by: lester

Good link lep!
I agree, it is difficult to find the truth in most media reports,
take the situation in London tube incident for 1 example!

"In God we trust, others cash only"
as a rabbi once said!

Posted by: lester

And as it is now Sept.1st, in Beslan.
Anniversary Day.
Flowers of rememberance.

" May their God go with them"

Posted by: lester

I've just recieved an email from my MP, David Taylor.
He has invited me to meet him to discuss my ideas
after I return from my travels!
He likes the scheme and will support it!

Good start!
lester.

Posted by: Leprechaun

Excellent Lester, you have the full support of the RMP too.

If you want i will send you a letter agreeing with your idea.

Bless you and what you do.