Women from the "Voice of Beslan" committee stop hunger strike

The "Voice of Beslan" committee representatives who went on hunger strike on February 9, have stopped their action of protest, reports Ella Kesaeva, representative of the committee.

"MPs came and persuaded us that it is senseless to go on with the hunger strike. It is impossible to achieve the aims and goals we have put before us. We have decided to stop our hunger strike and strengthen our force to go on fighting," she said, according to "Interfax."

On February 17, Vladimir Ryzhkov, independent member of the Russian State Duma, submitted for its consideration a protocol mission connected with the "Voice of Beslan" committee members' hunger strike. The mission was put to vote. All factions, except the "United Russia," voted "for." Thus, no State Duma decision was adopted due to the "United Russia" faction, reports Kasparov.Ru parliamentary correspondent.

Earlier, Dmitri Kozak, president's ambassador in the South Federal District, answering the question on his attitude towards the "Voice of Beslan" committee members' hunger strike, said that "the people who went on hunger strike are making a great mistake. It is impossible to ask for condemning and assessing the activity of the federal agencies or the North Ossetia within the framework of the Kulaev's case, either from ethic or from legislative points of view. Such requests are ungrounded." Dmitri Kozak stated that assessment of the activity of North Ossetia leadership and operational headquarters officers was only possible within investigation of the federal and regional government activity. In the ambassador's opinion, Beslan residents can question the legitimacy of the state actions during the Beslan tragedy within the framework of such investigation, reports the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

As is known, representatives of the "Voice of Beslan" went on hunger strike in February 9. They demanded continuation of hearings on the Nurpashi Kulaev's case. In their opinion, it is the only change to avoid ignoring of the Beslan tragedy causes. The women also demand an independent and unbiased investigation.

According to victims, far from all witnesses whose testimony is relevant for clarifying the tragedy circumstances have been interrogated. However, Nikolai Shepel, deputy Prosecutor General, states that there is enough evidence on Kulaev's guilt and it is time to pass over to presentation of cases and bring a verdict.

The state prosecution requests that the North Ossetia Supreme Court should sentence Nurpashi Kulaev, who took part in the seizure of the Beslan school, to death.