Today, on September 3, Russia observes the Day of Solidarity in the Fight against Terrorism. It was established by amendments to the Federal Law "On the Days of Military Glory (victory days) of Russia” made on July 21, 2005.
The date was chosen not by chance - it is timed to coincide with the tragic events that took place on September 1-3, 2004 in the North Ossetian city of Beslan, when more than 300 people, mostly women and children, died as a result of an unprecedented terrorist attack.
Today, Russia pays tribute to the memory of thousands of compatriots who died at the hands of terrorists in Beslan, in the theatre centre on Dubrovka, in Budennovsk, Pervomaisky, in the explosions of residential buildings in Moscow, Buynaksk and Volgodonsk, and in other terrorist acts.
The Russians rallied in the fight against such a terrible phenomenon as terrorism, which has become one of the most dangerous global problems of our time. From 1990 to 2006, more than 70 of the most brutal terrorist attacks were committed in Russia: blowing up residential buildings, planes and trains, mass hostage-taking, and bandit raids in the regions of the country. More than 1,600 civilians were killed, as well as about 400 employees of special services and law enforcement agencies. The fight against terrorism has become the most important state task. Measures are being taken to suppress terrorism and create an effective nationwide system to counter the phenomenon.
In Russia, the downward trend in terrorist activity continues thanks to a number of forceful and preventive measures in 2021, terrorist acts were prevented in the country, Chairman of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, Director of the Russian FSB Alexander Bortnikov said. In addition, 65 terrorist crimes were prevented at the preparation stage.
Modern terrorism quickly adapts to changes, improves in manifestations of deceit, and becomes more sophisticated in its cruelty, meanness and treachery. Therefore, it is possible to overcome it only by being united: in most cases, it is possible to prevent it at the initial stage. Only tolerance and mutual respect of all citizens of the country will prevent the growth of terrorism and extremism, and deprive criminals of hope for support in Russian society.
It is necessary to expand international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, to raise the dialogue between politicians and representatives of civil society to a qualitatively new level, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko said.
The senator called for "expanding international cooperation, exchanging experience, raising the dialogue between political figures, religious leaders, representatives of civil society to a qualitatively new level," expressing confidence that it is only through joint efforts possible to counter terrorism and put up a solid barrier to extremist and terrorist ideology.
