(Image source from: AFP)
Four individuals have been accused of carrying out a mass shooting at a concert near Moscow. These men, who appeared in court bearing signs of severe physical abuse, have now been charged with terrorism. The charges were announced on Sunday, a day when Russia mourned the deadliest attack to occur within its borders in the past twenty years. The attack, claimed by ISIL (ISIS), resulted in the deaths of at least 137 people, including three children. Additionally, 182 people were injured, with approximately 40 of them in critical condition.
The Basmanny District Court in Moscow has identified the four suspects as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32; Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30; Shamsidin Fariduni, 25; and Mukhammadsobir Faizov, 19. All four men, who are citizens of Tajikistan, have been charged with committing a terrorist attack as a group, resulting in the loss of life. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. They will remain in custody until May 22, when their trial will commence. According to court officials, Mirzoyev and Rachabalizoda have admitted their guilt following their formal charges.
On social media, there have been rumors circulating about the incident. During the court proceedings, Mirzoyev, Rachabalizoda, and Fariduni displayed obvious signs of severe bruising, with their faces swollen. Faizov, who arrived at court in a wheelchair from the hospital, kept his eyes closed throughout the proceedings. Medical staff attended to him while he was in court, dressed in a hospital gown and trousers, and he was observed to have multiple cuts. Additionally, Rachabalizoda had a heavily bandaged ear.
Russian media reports have stated that one of the suspects had his ear severed during interrogation. President Vladimir Putin, who has vowed to bring the perpetrators of this "barbaric terrorist attack" to justice, announced that the four men were apprehended while attempting to escape to Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack. Putin has not publicly acknowledged ISIL's claim of responsibility. He mentioned that seven others have also been detained.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, declared that Russia would pursue those responsible for the deadly shooting, regardless of their nationality or identity. He had previously expressed the view that "death should be met with death," and some lawmakers have started discussing the potential reintroduction of the death penalty. According to media sources and Telegram channels linked to the Kremlin, a suspect claimed that he had been presented with a financial incentive to execute the assault at the Crocus City Hall.
