Erstellt am: 9. 8. 2012 - 13:33 Uhr

The underground sect that shocked Russia

Reality Check: The Islamic sect living in an 8 floor bunker, the truth about truth and reconciliation

27 children and 38 adults who were members of a Muslim sect have been found living in an underground bunker in the Tatarstan regions of Russia.

The bunker, which included 8 storeys and numerous cells, was discovered by police investigating the wounding of the senior muslim cleric and killing of his deputy last month. It seems the sect had been living there for over a decade.

It seems incredible that no-one knew they were there, but in a region where religion is largely a personal and family matter, it seems that no questions were asked about the building, which was assumed to be a mosque.

The sect's leader, Faizrakhman Sattarov, is thought to have wanted to found his own subterranean Islamic caliphate, and had proclaimed himself as a prophet. Although mainstream Muslims believe there have been no prophets since Mohammed, it's thought that Sattarov may have had followers in other parts of Russia, leading to the disturbing thought that this might not be the only literally underground sect.

Our Moscow correspondent, Karen Percy, reports on the discovery and what is known about the group.

The truth about truth and reconciliation

Sociologist Franka Winter explains why truth and reconciliation may not always bring the hoped for results.
Her study of the truth and reconciliation process in Peru in the wake of the Shining Path insurgencies has lead her to conclude that such endeavours do not always bring the solutions and closure that people hope for.

FM4 Reality Check

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