I always wondered about the authenticity of this image.
Why would a hostage disable a hand by wrapping it in the hand like this.
Also, the grit under the nails indicates that this person was clawing thru something - if so, how did the cross emerge pristine and otherwise not ripped off the chain. Mine has broken with a few pounds of pressure.<<<<
If the owner of that hand had a desire to live, when the attack began, they took that cross off their neck and put it in their pocket, to wear it proudly, would have been instant death.
A guess on my part, but it would explain why it is clean and unbroken.
The Families of Nord Ost Theater hostage taking, have also tried to get information and it is denied to them.
now THAT(NOT), was a botched job if i ever saw one...