Russia has brought charges against four individuals accused of attacking a Moscow concert hall, resulting in the deaths of at least 137 people.
Three of the suspects were led into a Moscow court hunched over, while the fourth appeared in a wheelchair. They are all facing charges of committing an act of terrorism.
The Islamic State group, also known as IS, has claimed responsibility for Friday’s horrific incident at Crocus City Hall and has even posted video evidence to support their claim.
While Russian officials have alleged Ukrainian involvement in the attack, Kyiv has dismissed these claims as “absurd,” stating that there is no evidence to support such accusations.
Russian authorities have identified the four individuals allegedly involved in the Moscow concert hall attack as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov.
Video footage captured the sight of three of the suspects being escorted by masked police officers into the Basmanny district court in the Russian capital.
All of the suspects seem to have endured physical abuse – leaked videos of harsh interrogation sessions purportedly conducted by Russian security forces have surfaced, indicating severe treatment. Reports indicate that at least one of the individuals had been subjected to electric shocks.
Upon their court appearance, Mirzoyev and Rachabalizoda displayed visible signs of physical trauma, with both sporting black eyes. Additionally, Rachabalizoda’s ear was extensively bandaged, reportedly due to it being partially severed during the time of his arrest.
Mirzoyev was observed with a torn plastic bag seemingly wrapped around his neck during the court appearance.
Fariduni’s face exhibited severe swelling, while Fayzov seemed to lose consciousness as he was wheeled into the courtroom in a wheelchair, clad in a thin hospital gown. Reuters reported that he appeared to have lost an eye.
Throughout their time in court, all individuals were confined in a glass-panelled booth under the supervision of masked police officers.
A statement issued by the court via the Telegram messaging service indicated that Mirzoyev had “fully admitted his guilt,” while Rachabalizoda had also “confessed to his wrongdoing.”
According to Russia’s state news agency Tass, the individuals were identified as citizens of Tajikistan.
The court announced that all four suspects will be held in pre-trial detention until at least May 22.
Late Friday night, four armed assailants launched an attack on the Crocus City Hall located in Krasnogorsk, a suburb north of Moscow. The venue was hosting a rock concert attended by approximately 6,000 people. The gunmen opened fire on concertgoers and also initiated fires, leading to the engulfment of the venue and the subsequent collapse of its roof.
According to Russian authorities, the tragic incident resulted in the loss of 137 lives and left over 100 individuals injured.
