By Tony O’Reilly-
Russia has charged four men in connection with the devastating attack on a Moscow concert hall, where at least 137 people lost their lives.
The suspects appeared in court, visibly beaten, and were charged with committing an act of terrorism.
Court statements say that two of the suspects accepted their guilt in the assault, though the men’s condition raised questions about whether they were speaking freely. There had been conflicting reports in Russian media outlets that said three or all four men admitted culpability.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility and went further to posting video evidence of the attack.
The assault, which occurred at Crocus City Hall during a rock concert, involved gunmen storming the venue and indiscriminately firing on the crowd of approximately 6,000 attendees.
The attackers also set fires, leading to the collapse of the venue’s roof and causing extensive casualties.
Russian authorities swiftly apprehended the four suspects in the Bryansk region, located around 400 kilometers southwest of Moscow, approximately 14 hours after the attack. Identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, the suspects were brought to Basmanny district court in Moscow.
Shockingly, they appeared in court bearing signs of severe physical abuse, sparking concerns about potential torture during interrogation sessions.
While the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack and released graphic video footage corroborating their involvement, Russian officials have suggested Ukrainian involvement without providing any evidence.
These claims have been swiftly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and dismissed as “absurd” by military intelligence authorities in Kyiv.
In response to the attack, France has elevated its terror alert to the highest level, with President Emmanuel Macron warning against attempts to exploit the tragedy to blame Ukraine.
President Macron emphasized that the Islamic State group, which orchestrated the Moscow attack, has also targeted France recently, highlighting the global reach and threat posed by terrorist organizations.
The attack has reignited debates about Russia’s moratorium on the death penalty, with some officials advocating for its reinstatement in light of the severity of the incident.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the issue, stating that Russian authorities are not participating in discussions regarding the death penalty.
Despite tensions on the global stage, collaboration between countries remains crucial in combating terrorism and preventing future atrocities.
The terror attack on Moscow was its most deadly in decades, Friday’s assault came less than a week after President Vladimir Putin won a stage-managed election by an overwhelming majority to secure another term in office, tightening his grip on the country he has ruled since the turn of the century.
With attention focused on the country’s war with neighboring Ukraine, Putin had trumpeted a message of national security before Russians went to the polls.
The carnage broke out before a concert by the band Picnic, according to Russia 24.
Meanwhile, Kyiv was rocked by a series of explosions as Russia launched yet another missile attack on Ukraine’s capital.