Calls for authorities to resign as hundreds rally in Kemerovo, Russia after deadly mall inferno
Traumatized locals have taken to the streets in the Siberian city of Kemerovo. Many are calling for the resignation of authorities after a fire in a shopping mall left dozens dead, including many children.
On Tuesday morning, hundreds of people came to the regional administration headquarters after a massive fire at the Winter Cherry Shopping Center claimed the lives of at least 64 people. The demonstrators commemorated the victims but also vented their anger at the authorities, demanding punishment for those responsible for the tragedy.
Locals were heard chanting “truth” and “murderers” during the rally. Some social media reports claim the death toll is much higher than the 64 already announced. Local authorities, however, dismissed the allegations. Kemerovo Mayor Ilya Serdyuk suggested visiting a local mortuary to debunk the rumors.
President Vladimir Putin went to the city to pay tribute to the victims on Tuesday. Shortly after laying flowers at the improvised commemoration site, he met with locals, including relatives of the victims.
“Make no doubt, all those guilty will be punished,” Putin said, adding that around 100 investigators are working on the case. The president cautioned that it’s still too early to pin the blame on anyone before all the facts are on the table and the inquiry is concluded.
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