Terrorist Attacks

1. Until recently, the main argument in favor of the version of FSB involvement was the events of September 23, 1999, when after the third terrorist attack, the police defused an explosive device in the basement of one of the multi-story buildings in the city of Ryazan. The suspects in organizing the explosion were initially detained and then released because they presented FSB officer IDs. The authorities explained the entire incident as poorly conceived "civil defense" exercises. The connection between the "exercises" in Ryazan and the terrorist attacks remained unproven. However, Mr. Trepashkin was engaged in an independent investigation of the explosions in Moscow and discovered new evidence suggesting FSB involvement.

2. The trial in the case of the explosions, which began on October 31, is taking place behind closed doors "for reasons of state security." Two defendants in the case, Adam Dekkushev and Yusuf Krymshamkhalov, are accused of transporting explosives. One of them denies all charges against him, the other partially admits his guilt, but claims he knew nothing about the true purpose of the explosives. The judge in this case, Marina Komarova, previously participated in trials initiated by the FSB, such as the well-known "spy" cases that caused concern among the international community due to their obvious political motivation.

3. Most of the other victims in this case are either not represented in court at all or have signed a non-disclosure agreement. The Morozov sisters refused to sign it. Thus, Mr. Trepashkin would have been the only independent observer at the court hearing, which was closed to the rest of the world.

4. The person whom the prosecution considers the main organizer of the 1999 explosions is named Achemez Gochiyayev. He is still at large and, according to rumors, is hiding in the Pankisi Gorge, although the Georgian government denies this.