The tomb of Russian Czar Alexander III was opened today during the investigation into the murder of the Romanov royal family. Besides investigators, criminalists and leading experts in genetics and forensic medicine the exhumation was attended by representatives of the patriarchate and personally the Chairman of the Russia’s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin. The whole process was caught by photo and video cameras. It is established that the tomb has never been gotten into before.
At the present time necessary examinations are underway on site and samples are being taken for further DNA tests. It should be noted that no premature conclusions will be made until experts have finished their work.
The case over the murder of the royal family has recently been passed to the major investigations directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee for thorough and impartial investigation. The investigative group is headed by acting head of the said directorate Major General of Justice Igor Krasnov. It should be noted that world-class geneticists are employed for the investigation. In addition, there is a special working group of the Russia’s Investigative Committee headed by Mr. Bastrykin which includes Tikhon the Church Hierarch.
I would like to point out that the Investigative Committee is working in close cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church. Before opening the tomb Mr. Bastrykin had a talk with Moscow and Russian Patriarch Kirill, during which they reached a complete agreement and a common opinion that the main goal of this work is to find the truth and be absolutely sure about the authenticity of the royal remains so that in future it would not be needed again to disturb their graves.
Head of Media Relations V.I. Markin
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