President expresses condolences following Kemerovo fire |29 March 2018

Following the tragedy which claimed over 60 lives in the Russian city of Kemerovo, President Danny Faure has expressed the condolences of the government and people of the Republic of Seychelles to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

"In this period of grief, I wish strength and fortitude to the victims’ families in the face of this terrible tragedy. The people of Seychelles join me in praying for the souls of those that perished," said President Faure.    

Meanwhile, yesterday thousands of people protested in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, angry at Russian officials over the leisure complex fire that killed at least 64 people, 41 of them children.

President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kemerovo earlier and blamed "criminal negligence" for Sunday's blaze.

Relatives say dozens of people - including children - are still missing.

Investigators say the fire alarm was switched off and exits blocked. Four people have been charged.

Another detained suspect - a guard from a private security firm - will be charged shortly, Russia's Investigative Committee says.

A national day of mourning was observed on Wednesday.

Several thousand people rallied outside the local government headquarters, saying that officials must be sacked over the fire safety shortcomings.

There were also some chants of "Putin resign!"