Interfax-South: Deputy Prosecutor
skeptical about Basayev's claim
ROSTOV-ON-DON. Feb 26, 2003 (Interfax-South) - By claiming responsibility for
the December bombing of the governmental compound in Grozny, notorious terrorist
Shamil Basayev wanted to draw attention to himself, Deputy Prosecutor General
Sergei Fridinsky told Interfax on Wednesday.
"The terrorist's words can be assessed as routine bravado and a desire to remind
people about himself," Fridinsky noted.
Some of Basayev's assertions are not true, he said. For instance, investigators
determined that people with Slavic complexions were driving the trucks filled
with explosives.
Basayev maintains that the attack was carried out by three Chechens, a man and
his son and daughter.
"However, Basayev's version will be checked during the investigation. It is too
early to speak about his involvement in the crime," he said.