National terrorists

The investigation into the explosion of the Grozny-Moscow train has been completed

The Moscow Region Prosecutor's Office yesterday announced the completion of the investigation into the bombing of the Grozny-Moscow train in June 2005. Two Muscovites were arrested in connection with the case - a businessman and a builder. The prosecutor's office charges both of them with several articles of the Criminal Code, including “terrorism” and “attempted murder.” Yesterday the defense signed a protocol on the completion of the preliminary investigation, and from today the accused and their lawyers will begin to familiarize themselves with the case materials. Over the course of eight months, the prosecutor's office collected almost 30 volumes of documents and examinations.

The explosion of passenger train No. 382 Grozny-Moscow took place on June 12 on the Uzunovo-Bogotishchevo section of the Paveletskaya railway, approximately 150 km from Moscow. As a result of the explosion of a mine planted on the tracks and detonated under the front apron of the diesel locomotive, four train cars derailed. 42 people were injured, five of whom were hospitalized. According to the FSB, a shellless explosive device with a capacity of 3 kg of TNT was placed under the rails.

On June 30, 48-year-old businessman Vladimir Vlasov and 47-year-old foreman of the State Unitary Enterprise Gormost Mikhail Klevachev were detained on suspicion of involvement in the terrorist attack. During the search, according to the prosecutor's office, in addition to chemical reagents and a fire cord, they also found nationalist literature. As a result, the prosecutor's office charged Vlasov and Klevachev with terrorism, attempted murder of two or more persons by prior conspiracy based on national, religious hatred and enmity, illegal production and storage of an explosive device. Representatives of the investigation have so far commented on the progress of the case very sparingly. At first it was reported that Vlasov and Klevachev were members of the RNU, but then this was denied, and the accused were called only supporters of a certain nationalist organization. At the same time, it remains unclear why exactly they suddenly needed to blow up the train.

The lawyers of the accused have not yet made it clear. Defense attorney Valery Prilepsky said yesterday that he was not ready to talk about his position because he had not seen the case materials. “I think it will take us two months to get acquainted with them; we are not limited in terms of time yet and will get to know them carefully.”

Eduard LOMOVTSEV