Investigation into Beslan terror act extended by three months

The criminal investigation into the terror act committed in September 2004 in Beslan School in North Ossetia has been once again extended by three months. Elvira Tuaeva, one of the victims, told about it to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

On February 22, a meeting was scheduled in Vladikavkaz of the victims with Alexander Khalin, head of the investigation group that deals with the terror act in Beslan; however, it did not take place because the investigator was away. Victims managed to talk to his assistants.

When asked about any progress in the investigation of the terror act, Tuaeva shared her opinion that there is "absolutely no progress." "Because inspectors try to identify terrorists, question victims again, deciding whether they are victims or not. I think these are petty issues," she said. "However, how the terrorists could so easily get to the school; what was the operational headquarters doing; what the fire-fighters did... These are the main points. We were told that they deal with them either. So far, there's nothing to be happy with."

As reported by another victim, Aneta Gadieva, who was also held hostage with children in the school, on February 18 they were already in the Investigatory Committee.

According to her story, inspector Khalin told them that militiamen had been interrogated - they were changing their evidences. "The inspector said that they are working to re-interrogate people. Besides, there are seven unidentified terrorists. They say one was identified by examination; one more is being identified now. Five more remain; two of them are foreign citizens," said Aneta Gadieva.

Investigator Alexander Khalin, head of the investigatory group of the Beslan tragedy, had earlier refused to give comments to the "Caucasian Knot" about the course of investigation, saying that he was instructed by his bosses not to communicate with journalists. When asked whether he agreed with the victims that the investigation was too slow, Khalin replied in the negative.