32 militants took more than 1,200 people hostage at the school in 2004 . Militants demanded Russia withdraw from breakaway republic of Chechnya . The siege ended when Russian forces stormed the building and freed all hostages, but it left hundreds dead on both sides. But relatives of the Beslan massacre victims are still searching for answers , and asking if anything has changed in the still-restive North Caucuses . Criticism remains about how government has handled investigation of attack .
32 militants took more than 1,200 people hostage at the school in 2004 . Militants demanded Russia withdraw from breakaway republic of Chechnya . The siege ended when Russian forces stormed the building and freed all hostages, but it left hundreds dead on both sides. Criticism remains about how government has handled investigation of attack .