Russian leaders denounce arson attacks on churches

KARACHAEVSK, Russia — Political and religious leaders in Russia’s mainly Muslim North Caucasus region denounced arson attacks on two Russian Orthodox churches and one Baptist church overnight Nov. 1.

An Orthodox church in the village of Ordzhonikidzevsky in the province of Karachayevo-Cherkessia was nearly destroyed totally. Two other churches in the nearby city of Karachaevsk were damaged but saved by night attendants. No one was injured in any of the blazes.

Authorities don’t know who is responsible, but the attacks on churches appeared to be part of a growing Islamic insurgency within predominantly Christian Russia seeking an independent state where they could establish Islamic law.

Ismail Berdiev, head of regional spiritual administration for Muslims, said he believed attempts to damage Christian churches were aimed at destabilizing the mixed Christian and Muslim society of the southern Russian republic.