Russian soldier kills sentry, himself ( 2003-10-05 16:58) (Agencies)
A Russian soldier accidentally shot and killed another soldier at his unit
early Sunday and then killed himself, the Defense Ministry said.
As the soldier was supervising a switch of sentries shortly after midnight at
a unit near the city of Samara, about 900 kilometers (550 miles) southeast of
Moscow, he shot and killed one of the sentries, the ministry's press service
said. It said the killing was ``a result of careless handling of a weapon.''
The soldier then shot and killed himself, the press service said.
A criminal investigation has been launched.
Russia's army sees numerous violent deaths and suicides even in units not
stationed in conflict zones. Conscripts complain of brutal hazing by older
soldiers and abuse by officers.
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