An examination of eyewitness testimonies from one of the darkest periods of the Second Russo-Chechen War. A Village Under Occupation At the end of 2001, Russian authorities repeatedly claimed that the situation in Chechnya was improving. Official statements spoke of “stabilization,” “normalization,” and the restoration of constitutional order throughout the republic. For many residents of … Continua a leggere Starye Atagi, December 2001: When “Normalization” Meant Fear and Disappearances