300 persons came to commemorate Dubrovka victims in Moscow

On October 26 in Moscow, more than 300 persons gathered in the square in front of the Theatrical Centre: victims and relatives of the casualties of the Dubrovka terror act, and victims of other terror acts - exploded houses in Guryanova Street and Kashira Highway in Moscow, in Volgodonsk and at Beslan school capture.

Sergey Karpov, Chairman of the "Nord-Ost" Regional Public Committee, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent about it.

Besides, according to his story, a professor of one of American universities, who is writing a book about the "Nord-Ost" tragedy, was present at the venue.

"Everything went on in a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Militiamen were cultural, polite and attentive; in this sense it was all very well organized," said Mr Karpov.

According to his story, at the beginning of the event the requiem for the victims of the tragedy, specially written by composer Victor Dragunskiy for memory actions, was performed. Then, a minute of silence was announced.

"After that, the names of all the 130 perished persons were read aloud," Sergey Karpov has added. "At the last name 130 white balloons were sent to the sky in memory of the casualties."

According to the organizer, condolences to casualties' relatives were also expressed by musicians - Honoured Artists of Russia, poets-singers, who were performing several anti-terrorist songs. Volunteers from the Foundation "Give Life" also took part in the action.

After the concert-requiem, as Mr Karpov reported, "churchmen held a memorial service in commemoration of innocent victims" at the memorial board listing the names of all the casualties and installed near the Theatrical Centre.

"Passers-by came up with understanding, with tears in eyes they listened to the requiem and stood during the minute of silence," he said. "People were sympathetic and eager to share the grief of casualties' relatives and former hostages."

"A rather large delegation of the Moscow government arrived, despite the fact that today they had their first sitting with the new mayor," Tatiana Karpova, co-chair of the "Nord-Ost" Regional Public Committee, explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The organizers of the event also expressed their gratitude to Liudmila Shevtsova, deputy Moscow mayor for social policy, who "was of great help in organizing the event."

"The Moscow mayoralty, in the person of Ms Shevtsova, is closely working with us not for the first year, and helps in terms of organization and medical care. In particular, they help us with vouchers for spa treatment and tickets to New-Year holidays for orphans," said Karpov, explaining that 64 children lost their parents in the Dubrovka terror act.

According to his data, the relatives of the terror act casualties received from the government lump sum compensations of 100,000 roubles, and 14,200 roubles - for the funerals. Former hostages received 50,000 roubles each.

"There was no more help from the Russian government to us," said Sergey Karpov. "Their representatives never come in touch with us."