“Voice of Beslan” will not be silenced
The Civic Organization of Victims of Terrorist Attacks “Voice of Beslan” is changing its name to the All-Russian Civic Organization of Victims of Terrorist Attacks “Voice of Beslan”. They explain that this type of civic organization may exist without registration according to Article 3 of the Law on Civic Associations.
In a statement posted on the organizations website www.golosbeslana.ru , the “Voice of Beslan” Committee explains that it has been forced to take this move by the rejection on 4 February by the RSO-Alaniya Supreme Court of their appeal against a previous court ruling which had ordered a total change in the makeup of the organization. “We are convinced that this is the authorities response to our work to investigate the tragedy”.
“We will not register again since in the present conditions of lawlessness and total control over those who think differently, registration as a civic organization provides a loophole for the authorities and a way to stifle the freedom of a voluntary organization.
We affirm that, in spite of the pressure, we will fulfil our duty to the memory of those killed. We will continue our work with the same people under the leadership of the Chair E.L. Tagayeva-Betrozova and Co-Chair E.L. Kesayeva.
We are infinitely grateful to all those, including well-known human rights defenders in our country, who have supported us and expressed genuine sympathy for us, victims of the Beslan Tragedy. It is with tears of gratitude that we read letters of support. With the deepest respect of mothers to all for your understanding and may God help us all in this, our shared and difficult cause, to fight for observance of the law, for our right to be free individuals, for the future of our children."
www.golosbeslana.ru