Reactions to the 2010 Moscow Metro bombings

The reactions to the 2010 Moscow Metro bombings were both national and international. Russian official reaction included both strong condemnations and promises of retaliation against the perpetrators. International reaction was swift and widespread, with many countries and organizations condemning the attack and expressing their condolences to the victims.

Political reactions

Supranational organisations

•  United Nations - Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon called the attacks a "heinous terrorist attack", while the United Nations Security Council stated that terrorism was a "one of the major threats to international peace and security".^[1]
• G8 On behalf of the G8 Canadian Foreign Minister, Lawrence Cannon, "G8 foreign ministers today strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks on the Moscow subway that took place earlier this morning, and which have killed numerous innocent civilians and injured dozens more. [The] Ministers expressed their deepest sympathy to all who have been injured or bereaved by these attacks, and called for the prosecution of all those responsible." In response, the G8 ministers said they would "continue to collaborate to thwart and constrain terrorists, and to work for a world that is safe for all, based on the principles of democracy, and respect for the rule of law and for human rights."^[2]
• Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, said the attack was an attack on the whole of Europe, and that the terrorists' target was freedom, democracy and the supremacy of law, which are the priority values of the Council of Europe.^[3]
•  EU – Head of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, strongly condemned the blasts and offered his condolences to the families and friends of those killed and said the EU intends to cooperate with Russia in fighting terrorism.^[3] Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the EU, also sent Medvedev a message of solidarity and condolence.^[1]
• Interpol - Interpol has also extended its help to Russia to track down the plotters behind what it called "despicable and senseless attacks." Jean-Michel Louboutin, the executive director of Interpol, said: "[We have] offered every support and made available all of [our] resources to the Russian authorities in their investigation into these attacks."^[1]
•  NATO – Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemned the attacks saying there can be no justification for terrorist attacks against innocent civilians. He also expressed condolences to the victims' families and wished for a quick recovery to the wounded. He said NATO stays committed to cooperation with Russia in fighting international terrorism.^[4]

States

Domestic

•  Russia
  • Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said: "We will continue the operation against terrorists without hesitation and to the end. It is difficult to prevent such terrorist attacks and to provide security on transport. It is necessary to tighten what we do, to look at the problem on a national scale, not only relating to a certain populated area but on a national scale. Obviously, what we have done before is not enough."^[5] After an emergency meeting he ordered senior officials to fight terrorism "without hesitation, to the end." Stating that "The policy to suppress terrorism in our country and the fight with terrorism will be continued." He said Russia would act without compromise to root out terrorists and ordered security to be boosted across the country. "We will carry out uncompromising operations against terrorists to the end." While he opined that human rights must be respected during police operations.,^[6] he also ordered new laws to combat militant attacks urging for steps to make law-enforcement agencies work more efficiently, to increase the safety of transport systems and public places and to improve the implementation of Russia's anti-terrorism statutes.^[7] He also promised "crueller" measures to crack down on such attackers.^[1]
  • Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin added: "It is well known that today a terrible crime against civilians in its effects and disgusting in its character was carried out ... I am sure that police will do their best to find and punish the criminals. The terrorists will be destroyed."^[8] He vowed to "drag out of the sewer" the organisers of the bombings.^[1]
  • Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said: "Terror attacks were staged in Moscow. People died and were injured. Again terrorism bids defiance to the state, [to the] society. The organizers and executors, whoever they are, are trying to spark chaos, drive Russia into the abyss of fear, distrust, undermine its economy. There should be no indifferent people in the fight against this evil. Evil does not choose its victims on the basis of national, religious, or racial traits ..."During this difficult day for Russia's peoples, we declare with all responsibility that [we] will fight against terrorists until they are completely destroyed. It is impossible to eradicate evil just by persuasion," he said, adding those guilty of the attacks "should be found and punished."^[9]
  • The Council of Muftis said "extremism and terrorism have no basis in the Holy Quran." They also added that "a terrorist cannot be a Muslim while a Muslim cannot be a terrorist."^[10]
  • Russia's chief rabbi, Berel Lazar, said he was sure the masterminds of the terrorist attack would get the punishment they deserved.^[10]
  • Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia called for solidarity in the face of the tragedy and condemned not only the terrorists but also those who have tried to profit from human grief. "I've just been told that taxi drivers have raised their prices several times just because people are unable to use the metro. This money will do you no good."^[10]
  • The Moscow city government declared the next day, Tuesday, as a day of mourning. Groups of Russians amassed at the two sites of the attacks lighting candles and laying flowers in memory of those killed. Medvedev also laid a wreath of red roses at one of the sites and called the plotters "wild beasts," while pledging to find and wipe them out.^[11]

International

•  Abkhazia President of Abkhazia, Sergei Bagapsh, "I am deeply shaken by the news about explosions in the Moscow subway which have carried away lives of dozens of innocent people. On behalf of the people of Abkhazia and from myself personally I express deep condolences to you, to the families of the victims of this inhuman in its cruelty act of terror. The people of Abkhazia grieve and suffer together with you. We wish all wounded a quick recovery and the families of the lost courage and strength of spirit."^[12]
•  Argentina The Argentine Government sent condolences and condemned the attacks in the "most energic" terms. "We are convinced that nothing could never justify attacks of this nature."^[13]
•  Armenia – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan sent a condolence letter condemning the attacks.^[14]
•  Azerbaijan – The President, Ilham Aliyev, sent a telegram voicing his condolences.^[3]
  •  Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Premier Bako Sahakyan sent a letter of condolences to the President Dmitry Medvedev.^[15]
•  Belarus – The President, Alexander Lukashenko, sent a telegram voicing his condolences.^[3]
•  Brazil – Brazilian External Relations Ministry issued a press release letter condenming and voicing condolences to the victim's families as well as to the Russian Government.^[16]
•  Bulgaria – Georgi Parvanov said they could not be justified for any reasons.^[3]
•  Canada – Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon condemned the "cowardly attacks". "We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Cannon said in a statement. "Canada expresses its solidarity with the Russian people in the context of this tragedy. We strongly support the prosecution of those who perpetrated these attacks."^[17]
•  Chile – Chilean government condemned the attack.^[18]
•  People's Republic of China - Foreign Ministry spokesman, Qin Gang, said: "We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Moscow subway, and express deep condolences over the deaths." Adding that China supported Russia's efforts in fighting terrorism, and hoped to enhance cooperation within bilateral and Shanghai Cooperation Organization frameworks, to safeguard regional peace and stability. President Hu Jintao sent a telegram to Medvedev to extend condolences over the bombings.^[19] President Hu also stated that he supported Russian efforts to "strike down terrorism".^[1]
•  Colombia – Colombian government sent his condolences.^[20]
•  Czech Republic – Czech government expressed itself opposed to any violence and terror.^[3]
•  Estonia – The President sent a telegram voicing his condolences.^[3]
•  France – French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned the blasts, calling them dishonorable and recreant.^[3] Adding that he condemned the attacks "in strongest terms" while offering total solidarity with Russians "to confront this cowardly and horrible act."^[21] He drew allusions with 9/11 in saying ""When New York was attacked, all the world's democracies were attacked. And when Moscow is attacked, we are all attacked," he said during a trip to New York."^[1]
•  Georgia – Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze condemned terrorism and expressed his condolences. At a joint news conference with his Lithuanian counterpart he said: "Georgia and Lithuania have always been against terrorism ... We express our condolences to the families of victims and hope that culprits of this terrible crime will be arrested and punished."^[22] Georgian Foreign Ministry is hopeful that the criminals will be found and severely punished.^[3]
•  Germany – "We deplore these cowardly attacks in the most resolute manner," a statement by the German Foreign Ministry said. "Nothing can justify these vicious acts."^[23] Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her "shock and horror" and offered her condolences.^[21]
•  India – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote to the Russian president saying: "It is with great anguish that I have learnt of the bomb blasts in Moscow, which have led to the loss of so many innocent lives. This is most tragic and horrific act of violence. At this difficult hour, our thoughts are with you, the people of Russia and the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy. On behalf of the government and people of India, I convey our deepest condolences. I wish to assure you that India stands united with Russia in combating the forces of violence and terrorism."^[24]
•  Iran - Iran's Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, condemned the attacks and urged the regional countries to cooperate further against terrorism. Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, called for an international campaign against terrorism and added "We have repeatedly announced that we condemn any sort of terrorist attack that endangers the lives of innocent people."^[21]
•  Ireland - Foreign Minister, Micheál Martin, condemned the attack as a "gratuitous act of terrorism," while also extending his sympathies to those bereaved by the attacks.^[25]
•  Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Israel's condolences to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu said "Please accept our condolences, on behalf of the government and the Israeli people, to the families of the victims, and wishes of recovery for the wounded." Netanyahu condemned the attack and explained how Israel identifies with the Russians "as a country that is itself a target for terror". "We stand with you, united with the enlightened nations in the battle against the terror that threatens the entire human race."^[26] Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman telephoned Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressing condolences. Lieberman stated that "the war on terror is a global mission which must be made a top international priority, as no country is immune to the impact of dark extremists wherever they are."^[27]
•  Latvia – The President sent a telegram voicing his condolences.^[3]
•  Lithuania – "I am deeply shocked by the bloody terrorist act against peaceful people," a message from Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said.^[28]
•  Mexico – Mexican Government condemned the attacks in Moscow subway. The Foreign Minister extended its deepest sympathy to the people and government of Russia.^[29]
•  Pakistan - President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani sent condolences messages to the government and people of Russia and make assure of full co-operation and support.^[30]
•  Philippines - The Philippines stated that "The Philippines condemnes this act of terror. The Philippines also wishes to express condolences to the Russian people."
•  Poland – Polish President Lech Kaczyński and Prime Minister Donald Tusk offered his condolences.^[3]
•  Serbia –
  • Serbian President Boris Tadić sent a telegram of condolences to Dmitry Medvedev saying "Please accept my deepest condolences. Citizens of Serbia sincerely sympathize with the families of the dead and with the people of Russia at this difficult time".^[31]
  • Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković sent a telegram of condolences to Vladimir Putin saying: "Please accept our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of lives of Moscow's citizens. The government and the people of Serbia feel deeply with the families of those killed or injured and with the Russian people"^[32]
  • Vice Prime Minister Ivica Dačić sent condolences to Sergey Shoygu, Rashid Nurgaliyev and to the families of the victims, saying "Serbian people express the great regret for the suffering of Russian people, of the innocent people" and added that Serbia provides support to all state agencies of the Russian Federation in finding those responsible for terrorist attacks.^[33]
  • The National Assembly of Serbia held a moment of silence, and the President Slavica Đukić Dejanović sent condolences to Boris Gryzlov saying "In the Serbian Parliament, we received with great sadness the news on terrorist attacks in the center of Moscow, when your fellow citizens lost their lives. The deputies and all citizens of Serbia sincerely sympathize with you and share the grief with the families of victims".^[34]
  • Mayor of Belgrade, Dragan Đilas, sent condolences to Yury Luzhkov saying "Dear Mayor Luzhkov, on my own behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Belgrade, I express to you my deepest condolences for the tragic death of innocent people in the Moscow metro. In your feelings you are not alone. Belgrade shares the sadness and dismay over this terrorist act with Moscow, hoping that nothing similar will ever happen again.".^[35]
•  South Ossetia - President Eduard Kokoity expressed condolences.^[36]
•  Tajikistan – The President sent a telegram voicing his condolences.^[3]
•  Ukraine – "People in our country share the pain of the heavy and unrecoverable loss," Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said in his message to his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.^[28]
•  United Kingdom – Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said he was "appalled by the attacks" and that such acts "could never be justified."^[37]
•  United States –
  • U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the rush hour bombings in the Moscow metro, offering his condolences to the Russian people. In a statement issued by the White House, the president said the American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks. "My thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones, and I wish all who sustained injuries a successful recovery."^[38]
  • Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: "I was in Moscow earlier this month, and I know the resilience and determination of the Russian people. The United States stands with them today and every day in solidarity against violent extremism in all its forms."^[39]
•  Venezuela - Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Venezuelan government "strongly condemned" while voicing confidence that Russia "will defeat the scourge of terrorism. [The government] expresses its sorrow and reiterates its solidarity with (Russian) authorities, and offers its words of encouragement to the brotherly people of Russia, with the conviction that (Russia) will defeat the scourge of terrorism and will continue living in peace and harmony in its independent road to prosperity and development. [Hugo Chávez] expresses his deepest sorrow for the loss of dozens of innocent people and expresses his sympathies to the relatives of the victims."^[40]

Human rights groups

Human rights groups have accused Russian security forces of stoking unrest through the extrajudicial killings, abductions and abuses in the North Caucasus.^[1]

Amnesty International "unreservedly condemned" the attacks. Director of Amnesty International's Europe and Central Asia Programme Halya Gowan stated that "There can be no justification for such vicious attacks on the lives of civilians and those who are responsible for it should be apprehended and brought to justice strictly in line with international human rights standards. The Russian authorities must also ensure human rights are respected in their response to the attack."^[41]

Human Rights Watch stated that "nothing can justify" the attacks, and that they "represent an assault on the fundamental principle of respect for civilian life, and those responsible for this crime need to be found and held accountable". The organization urged Russian authorities to ensure that all law-enforcement operations aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice are conducted with respect for international human rights standards, and extended its "deepest condolences" to the victims, their families, and the city of Moscow.^[42]

Apolitical reactions

Security and a police presence on the New York City subway system were increased in the aftermath of the bombings in Moscow.^[43]

Media reactions

Russian television carried little coverage of the attacks for the first hour after the first explosion took place (at 7:57 am). Commentators have criticised this, alleging that it spread more panic and led to citizens feeling helpless.^[44]

Other media outlets continued to make a link to the War in Afghanistan. Speculation continued as to militants from Central Asia have joined hands to fight the spy agencies conceived to be their main adversary. This followed an attack by a Jordanian militant who infiltrated the ranks to attack the CIA in Afghanistan.^[45]

References