The tragedy at school No. 175 in Kazan, where seven children and two adults were killed, will bring Tatarstan residents together even more closely and the republic will do its utmost to make sure something like this never happens again, said Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov in his address to Tatarstan residents on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Thursday, May 13, the start day of Eid al-Fitr, is a day off in Tatarstan. Traditionally, mass prayers are held in mosques on this day.
"Unfortunately, the last days of Ramadan were overshadowed in Kazan by a monstrous crime, whose victims were innocent children and school employees. Muslims of the republic, along with Orthodox Christians and representatives of other religions, deeply grieve for the victims and pray to the Almighty for the repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the wounded. I'm confident that this tragedy will further unite the people of Tatarstan and we will do our best to make sure it will never happen again," said Minnikhanov in his address published by the press service.
According to Tatarstan authorities, seven children and two female teachers were killed and 23 others were hospitalized as a result of the May 11 shooting at school No. 175 in Kazan. Minnikhanov said the shooting was carried out by a 19-year-old boy who had a gun officially registered in his name. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case of murder of two or more persons, the maximum penalty being life imprisonment. Later, Svetlana Petrenko, a representative of the Investigative Committee, told reporters that Ilnaz Galyaviev, detained on suspicion of shooting, had detonated an improvised explosive device and used firearms at the entrance to the school. According to the court decision, Galyaviev was arrested, he was charged and pleaded guilty.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of Republic of Tatarstan
Based on materials from RIA Novosti