Kremlin Slams Attack Against Reporters, Activists in Caucasus as Outrageous

The Kremlin considers the attack on reporters and human rights activists in Russia’s southern region of Ingushetia utterly outrageous, and hopes that local law enforcement agencies will act appropriately, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, a group of assailants attacked a bus carrying nine activists and journalists on the border between Russia's Chechnya and Ingushetia regions. Four people were hospitalized, including a Norwegian journalist and a Swedish reporter.

"This is utterly outrageous, it is utter hooliganism, and as far as we understand, the lives of these people were threatened, according to the available information, and this is completely unacceptable," Peskov told reporters.

The official expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would take the "most active measures" to find the perpetrators to ensure the victims' security.

"Of course, the president has received all this information… but I reiterate, without doubt, we are counting on the republic’s authorities taking all the necessary measures," he stressed.

Earlier in the day, a member of staff of the Russian hospital where the victims of the attack are being treated said their condition was satisfactory. An investigation into the incident has been opened.