“Voice of Beslan” lacks funds to build memorial park

The authorities of North Ossetia promised the “Voice of Beslan” NGO to help build a park in memory of the victims of the terror act on the school in 2004. However, now the activists have to ask for help from sponsors.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Beslan annually holds memorial events to pay tribute to the memory of the people who fell victim to the terror act on September 1, 2004. On the 20th anniversary of the terror act, journalists noted that twenty years later, the authorities had still not given a specific answer as to how the terrorists managed to organize the seizure of the school, which resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people.

Emma Tagaeva, the chair of the “Voice of Beslan” organization, said that the idea to create the park was suggested by activist Ella Kesaeva. The idea is to create a park on a vacant land plot, which used to be a favourite place for local children (26 of whom perished in the terror act).

Activists doubt that they will be able to obtain funding from the authorities and are looking for sponsorship for the project.

The park is important for the victims as a memory of the dead, and for Beslan residents as a place of rest, Emma Tagaeva emphasizes. The activist notes that she always enjoys working in the park and remembers her sons Alan and Aslan, who perished in the terror act at the age of 16 and 14.

Alina Naldikoeva was 11 years old when the Beslan school was seized by terrorists. Alina Naldikoeva said that she stayed with the Emma Tagaeva’s sons during the first days of the seizure and they helped her cope with an asthma attack. Alina Naldikoeva believes that Beslan needs a memorial park.

“This is a place where children were playing and dreaming of adult life. Those children will forever remain children. It is our responsibility to preserve the memory of them,” Alina Naldikoeva explained.

Amran Godjiev was a pupil of the ninth form when he was taken hostage with his younger brother. They both managed to escape. Amran Godjiev supports the project to create a park.

Zemfira Tsirikhova was taken hostage together with her two minor sons. The youngest died in her arms. Zemfira Tsirikhova is involved in the implementation of the park improvement and considers it an important project for Beslan.