Filling the streets of Moscow on September 7, more than 130,000 Russians marched to protest acts of terrorism against their country. The demonstrators carried signs that read, "We won't give Russia to terrorists." Outside Saint Basil's Cathedral, the marchers stopped for a moment of silence to honor those who died in recent weeks. Saint Basil's is next to the Kremlin, which houses Russia's government. "I have been crying for so many days," Vera Danilina said. "I came here to feel that we are actually together."
In the past month, Russia has suffered a series of attacks. On September 1, terrorists took control of a school in Beslan, in southern Russia. They killed more than 300 people, including many children. A week before that, two Russian planes crashed, killing 90. Officials believe that terrorists brought down the planes. There were also bombings at a train station and a bus station. In all, more than 500 people died in the attacks.
A Bloody Uprising
Rebels from Chechnya (chech-nyah), a New Jersey--size region in
southwest Russia, are believed to be responsible for the attacks.
Most Chechens are Muslim, which sets them apart from most
Russians. In 1991, Chechnya declared independence from Russia. In
1994, Russia went to war against the region's rebels. Hundreds of
thousands of Chechens died in the fighting.
Chechnya won the right to elect its own government in 1996, but it remained part of Russia. When Chechen attacks continued, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops back into the region in 1999.
Some critics of Putin's leadership believe his tough stance may have inflamed the rebels. Putin insists he will not make deals with terrorists. He described the recent violence as a "total, brutal and full-scale war" that terrorists have brought to Russia.
Last week, people around the world showed their support for Russia. They held candlelight vigils, sent condolence letters and signed memory books. Said U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld: "Civilized people can only express sympathy and solidarity with the Russian people."