National Post/The Telegraph: Russia accused of bizarre attempt to hide terror threat as Moscow’s Red Square shut for New Year’s Eve
MOSCOW — Russia was accused of a bizarre attempt to cover up terrorism threats Monday after claiming that a decision to close off Moscow’s Red Square on New Year’s Eve was because a film crew would be working there.
The city’s security chiefs shocked Muscovites last week by declaring that the traditional spot for seeing in the New Year would be off-limits because of filming commitments.
But the announcement, as European capitals received warnings of a Paris-style attack over the new year, drew a baffled response from the film company concerned, which said it had no plans to be there.
Suspicions are growing that the Kremlin wanted to downplay threats from ISIL, which has threatened vengeance for Russia’s campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
WNU Editor: WTF!?!?!?! Closing Red Square on New Years Eve is like closing Times Square in New York City on New Years Eve. I have attended New Years Eve celebrations on Red Square numerous times. The place is always packed, and everyone is having a great time. This is a first .... and this news has surprised everyone in Moscow.
3 comments:
To bad. Someone is spooked.
...okay, yeah, this is odd. I suppose wanting to cover up threats rather than overblowing them Western-style to justify tightening the screws is a plausible motivation in this case.
That's an intersting point WNU. I believe somebody in the West is going to be struck, however; the leadership doesn't want to create a paranoid state especially at this time. Very concerning issues playing out!
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