In Sochi, believers complain about excessive security measures

On January 7, believers of the Russian, Georgian, Jerusalem and Serbian Orthodox Churches celebrated the holiday of Christmas. In the southern regions of Russia, worship services were held under enhanced security measures.

In Sochi, believers faced difficulties while visiting the Christmas worship service at the Temple of Archangel Michael. Policemen and Cossacks blocked the main entrance to the Temple and thus forced the believers to pass through the narrow gate. Residents of Sochi have expressed their dissatisfaction with such actions of the police, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The police have explained the decision by "enhancement of security of believers in connection with the combat against terrorism."

"I'm a retired law enforcer. On January 7, I came with my family members to the Temple of the Archangel Michael, and I was surprised very much that the main gate was closed with a lock. Policemen and Cossacks were guarding the main gate, and they were sending people to the other entrance. They explained their actions by the combat against terrorism. However, on the contrary, it is dangerous. After all, if suddenly something happens, where should people evacuate themselves if everything is closed and only a narrow gate is open? That will result in crush and panic. It is very short-sighted and wrong from the standpoint of security," noted the man, who introduced himself as Vladimir Nikolaevich.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.