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Russian MPs Speak Out Against Cover-Up in Beslan School Siege

Two non-Kremlin-aligned Russian MPs have broken their silence on the 2004 Beslan school siege parliamentary inquiry, condemning it as a cover-up. Nationalist Yuri Savelyev and Communist Yuri Ivanov believe that Russia's worst act of terrorism since the Soviet era was deliberately investigated poorly to protect the Kremlin's official narrative, which they claim is fabricated.

The Tragedy and Promises of a Thorough Investigation

In September 2004, pro-Chechen terrorists took over a small school in southern Russia, resulting in the deaths of 333 people, more than half of whom were children. President Vladimir Putin promised a meticulous official investigation to determine the truth behind the siege.

A Stage-Managed PR Exercise

Survivors of the Beslan school siege expressed disappointment and disbelief when the parliamentary investigation into the tragedy concluded quietly at the end of last year after nearly two years of work. According to the whistle-blowing MPs, the inquiry was nothing more than a stage-managed public relations exercise.

Misgivings and Accusations

Both MPs refused to sign off on the report due to their misgivings about the investigation. Ivanov claims that the inquiry was cautioned against calling President Putin as a witness, and the report was rushed through parliament within 20 minutes. While local authorities were criticized for their actions, the inquiry shied away from questioning the overall handling of the siege and instead focused on blaming the Chechen hostage-takers.

An Alternative Narrative

The two MPs raise serious doubt about the official version of events. They allege that the bloody climax of the siege was not caused by terrorists detonating explosives inside the school, as claimed by the Kremlin, but by rocket-propelled grenades fired at the school from a territory under Russian special forces' control. Ivanov further claims that the grenades were fired on President Putin's orders as a prelude to storming the school.

Questioning the Initial Belief

Savelyev, a member of the nationalist Rodina (Motherland) party, admits that his initial belief about the terrorists' actions in Beslan has dramatically changed. His work on the parliamentary panel has led him to a different conclusion. According to him, there is no substantive evidence to support the claim that terrorists detonated explosives inside the school or that they shot fleeing hostages in the back. Allegations of rape also lack substantiation.

Crucial Evidence Destroyed and Accusations of a Cover-Up

The MPs accuse the authorities of deliberately destroying vital evidence in the immediate aftermath of the siege. They claim that the government allowed a fire to rage for over two and a half hours before permitting the fire brigade to enter the school, ensuring the destruction of the roof of the school gym and crucial evidence indicating the firing of rocket-propelled grenades from above.

Investigating the Truth of the Beslan Tragedy

The Kremlin dismisses the MPs' allegations, maintaining that the parliamentary investigation was serious and unbiased. However, local residents in Beslan tend to side with the MPs' version of events. The Voice of Beslan pressure group, whose members lost loved ones in the siege, vows to relentlessly pursue the truth of what happened during those fateful days and hold those responsible accountable.

America's Battle for Internet Freedom

In the realm of online activities, there is an ongoing battle between governments and their citizens over internet freedom. The internet has become an essential tool for communication, information sharing, and business transactions, making it a significant part of our daily lives. However, various countries, including the United States, have been grappling with new challenges related to the control and regulation of online spaces.

Government Surveillance and Privacy Concerns

One of the key issues surrounding internet freedom in America is the extent of government surveillance. Revelations by whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden have exposed the vast surveillance programs operated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and other intelligence agencies. These programs collect enormous amounts of data on individuals, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

Net Neutrality and Digital Divide

The concept of net neutrality, which advocates for equal treatment of all data on the internet, has also been a hotly debated topic in recent years. The repeal of net neutrality regulations in 2017 has sparked fears that internet service providers could prioritize certain content or charge users extra for faster access, leading to a digital divide and limiting online freedom.

Fake News and Online Disinformation

The rise of social media has accelerated the spread of fake news and online disinformation, creating a new challenge in the fight for internet freedom. Misinformation campaigns and propaganda can sway public opinion, undermine democratic processes, and erode trust in traditional media sources. Efforts to combat this include fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and platform policies to reduce the reach of false information.

Data Protection and Cybersecurity

The protection of personal data and cybersecurity are also crucial aspects of internet freedom. Data breaches and cyberattacks can compromise individuals' privacy, financial security, and even national security. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and implementing robust data protection regulations are essential to safeguard online freedom and trust in digital platforms.

Balancing Regulation and Freedom of Expression

Finding the right balance between regulation and the protection of freedom of expression is a delicate task. While governments have a responsibility to ensure citizens' safety and combat illegal activities online, overly restrictive regulations can stifle innovation, infringe on individual rights, and hinder the free flow of information.

The Role of Internet Activism and Civil Society

Internet activism and the involvement of civil society organizations play a vital role in preserving and promoting internet freedom. Non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, and online communities are instrumental in advocating for digital rights, raising awareness about threats to internet freedom, and mobilizing for policy changes.

The Future of Internet Freedom

The battle for internet freedom is an ongoing struggle that requires constant vigilance and collaboration among various stakeholders. As technology continues to evolve and new challenges emerge, policymakers, activists, and citizens must work together to ensure a free, open, and inclusive internet that respects privacy, safeguards democratic values, and fosters innovation.

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