Russian authorities withdraw from helping Beslan victims

Today, 15 years after the terror act in the Beslan school, former hostages need medical and social rehabilitation, but receive no support from the authorities. No high-quality rehabilitation of tragedy victims is possible without a state programme, as it needs huge resources, the leaders of the "Beslan Mothers" and "Voice of Beslan" NGO have stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on the 15th anniversary of the school capture, the "Beslan Mothers" Committee opened a bank account for fundraising to help the victims, but faced a flood of negativity and abandoned the idea having received no money. According to the committee, about 20 victims need urgent help.

Those who suffered at the school capture and subsequent storm and now have serious health problems due to received wounds need permanent help. Four women with severe disabilities are in the most difficult situation, said Aneta Gadieva, a deputy chair of the "Beslan Mothers", noting that only Fatima Dzgoeva manages to receive some additional help and the payment of her medical examinations.

One of the three women in wheelchairs is Diana Murtazova, who was held hostage with her two sisters and her mother.

At the time of the terror act, Maria Duchko was 27 years old; she was in the school with her son and mother. Maria's relatives survived, but she was seriously injured. Her mother is taking care of Maria.

Natalia Sattsaeva, who is now 45, was taken hostage together with three children. They survived, but Maria was seriously wounded and is now almost bedridden. Only periodically, she moves in her wheelchair.

"Her family is in a financial despair, as they have almost no incomes. Help is needed to pay for their everyday needs," Ms Gadieva has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 20, 2019 at 11:39 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.