Medvedev vows 'cruel' measures to tackle terrorists

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev made a surprise visit today to the violence-wracked southern province of Dagestan, telling police and security forces to use tougher, “more cruel” measures to fight the “scum” responsible for terrorist attacks.

In his dress – a black T-shirt under a black suit coat – and rough language, President Medvedev was following the lead of Russia’s powerful prime minister, Vladimir Putin.