Putin Refuses to Meet with Chechnya

Meanwhile, relatives of the schoolyard siege met in Vladikafkas, the capital of North Ossetia, and called for the resignation of North Ossetian President Aleksandr Dzasohav. In a separate gathering in Moscow, 100,000 people convened in Vasiliy Spusk Square near the Kremlin to protest Russia’s policies. As Putin’s rhetoric hardens, so too do criticisms from the Russian public.

Officials pointed out that no other event has ever inspired such a gathering. August has been a difficult month for Russia and the tragedy in North Ossetia has perhaps overwhelmed the country. Slogans in the crowd pleaded, "How much longer will we bear terrorism?" Citizens have said, "Stop," and called for a revision of relations between the warring states.

Statements and sentiments from the gathering, which was attended by Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, were not limited to criticisms of Putin and Dzasohav. Some banners displayed solidarity with victims and their relatives. They read, "We back you Beslan", "Russia will win the struggle with terror", and "The world that is against terror, please protect our children."