02:11, 31 January 2014

Residents of Vladikavkaz have no consensus on the change of Olympic Torch Relay route

Olympic Torch Relay at the "Spartak" Stadium in Vladikavkaz. January 30, 2014. Photo by Emma Marzoeva for the "Caucasian Knot"

Vladikavkaz residents react differently to restrictions imposed in the city in connection with the Olympic Torch Relay. Some of them find the measures reasonable; others disagree with them.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the route of the Olympic Torch Relay in North Ossetia was made shorter for security reasons; and the event took place at the "Spartak" Stadium, while traffic was restricted and marketplaces closed in the city centre.

Antonina Fomina, a resident of Vladikavkaz, finds the decision to close marketplaces at the time of the relay to be reasonable; however, she does not welcome the event at the stadium.

Safety is above all; therefore, the presence of a large crowd and plenty of law enforcers gave calm, said Angela Nazarenko.

Let us remind you that more than 17,000 spectators, as estimated by law enforcement bodies, came to the "Spartak" Stadium in Vladikavkaz. For the torch lighting ceremony, they invited Khadjimurat Gatsalov, the 2004 Olympic Champion and a four-time world champion in freestyle wrestling.

Kabardino-Balkaria will be the next region to welcome the Olympic Flame.

Author: Emma Marzoeva

Source: CK correspondent