Moscow Murder Suspects, Accused Of Killing 137 Concertgoers, Show Severe Injuries During Arraignment
On Sunday, in Moscow's capital, a court charged four individuals for their alleged involved in a terrorist attack at a concert hall where over 130 people were killed.
The suspects, visibly bruised and injured, presented a stark image as they faced the legal proceedings.
Images and footage made public by the court depicted the four men being escorted into the courtroom, displaying varying degrees of injuries. Three of them bore evident bruises and swelling on their faces, with one individual notably sporting heavy bandaging around his right ear. The fourth appeared barely lucid, confined to a hospital gown and lying on a stretcher inside the prisoner's box, his eyes shut for the majority of the proceedings.
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Following widespread dissemination of images depicting the suspects' alleged mistreatment in custody across Russian social media platforms, the court appearance still occurred. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin pledged retaliation, notably refraining from mentioning the Islamic State group, which had claimed responsibility for the fatal assault.
The Basmanny District Court of Moscow identified the suspects as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov. According to the court, two of them had confessed to their involvement, though concerns arose regarding their ability to freely express themselves due to their reported condition.
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The court charged all four individuals with committing a terrorist act, potentially subjecting them to life imprisonment. They are to be detained until May 22. Additionally, seven more individuals were apprehended on suspicion of being involved in the attack.
According to the Tass state news agency, all four individuals are citizens of the former Soviet state Tajikistan. The suspects required a translator to communicate in court, as reported by Tass.
Over the weekend, concert goers visited the auditorium at Crocus City Hall to see Picnic, a 1980s popular band since the Soviet days. The concert — which was sold out in the 6,200-seat hall — was scheduled to start within 7-10 minutes when popping sounds were heard, according to one attendee who told the Associated Press.
At least four men, all khaki-clad, fired inside the building, ultimately setting the hall on fire.
The onslaught was the start of the most deadliest attack in Russia in years that left 137 people dead and more than 180 more injured.
President Putin called it "a bloody, barbaric terrorist act."
