Russia: Commemorate Parliament siege victims!
Around 1500 people gathered in central Moscow on Saturday to commemorate those who died during a confrontation between the Russian President Boris Yeltsin and the Parliament in October 1993.
It’s 15 years since the constitutional crisis almost led to civil war.
Around 150 people died, including civilians as well as servicemen. Many died during clashes with police and when the Ostankino TV center was stormed.
The conflict ended when the then Parliament building – the White House – was shelled by tanks by forces loyal to the president. That forced the legislators who had impeached president Boris Yeltsin to surrender.
The events changed the political face of Russia – a new Constitution adopted after the crisis gave the Russian president increased powers.
