Remembering Beslan: 20 Years After a Tragic Siege

Mourners gathered in Beslan 20 years after the deadliest militant attack in Russia's modern history. Islamist gunmen seized a school, killing over 330 hostages, including children. Survivors later accused authorities of using excessive force. President Putin acknowledged the tragedy during a recent visit and expressed his condolences to the victims' families.

Mourners lit candles and placed icons on Sunday beneath photographs of schoolchildren, teachers, and parents who died 20 years ago in the deadliest militant attack in modern Russian history. The assault by Islamist gunmen linked to separatists from Chechnya claimed more than 330 lives, including at least 180 children.

Russian special forces ended the siege at the Beslan school with a military assault that left many questions about the excessive force used, such as tanks and grenade launchers deployed while hostages were still inside. The gymnasium's concrete walls are now etched with tributes to the lost souls, marking a permanent scar on the community.

Chechen Nur-Pashi Kulayev was the sole surviving militant, sentenced to life in prison despite his claims of innocence. Survivors and families of victims have criticized authorities for their handling of the situation. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2017 that Russia used excessive force, a claim Russia has rejected.

President Vladimir Putin, acknowledging public outrage, recently visited Beslan to pay his respects. During a somber speech, he expressed his condolences, recognizing the deep, ongoing pain faced by the victims' families.

On Sunday, survivors and families held a memorial at the school, with photographs and flowers placed beneath an Orthodox cross. A placard outside the gym reads: "Remember us? Remember us! As long as you remember, we're alive."

(With inputs from agencies.)