Clashes in Karelia: lawmakers probe the cause

State Duma deputies and members of the Russian Public Chamber left for the town of Kondopoga in the Republic of Karelia to investigate recent ethnic clashes.

Russia Today correspondent Dmitry Shchugorev, in Kondopoga to follow their visit, said they had already met the head of the republic and were on their way to the scene of events to meet the local administration. They would speak to Federal Security Service officials carrying out an investigation.

One of the main tasks there, Shchugorev said, was to assess whether a failure of Russian legislation had allowed events to happen. Changes to security law would follow, he added.

Police and army presence remained heavy in the town, alongside volunteer brigades patrolling the streets. The situation has stayed stable and calm for several days.