Four defendants directly involved in the March 2024 terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall theater outside Moscow pleaded guilty on 4/8 during a closed trial, TASS news agency reported.
The trial is being held before a three-judge panel at the 2nd Western District Military Court in Moscow. The defendants, all of Tajik origin, are Shamsidin Fariduni, 26, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 33, Mukhammadsobir Faizov, 20, and Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, 31.
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Russian troops secure the scene of the shooting at the Crocus City Hall theater outside Moscow, 22/3/2024. Photo: TASS |
Russian troops secure the scene of the shooting at the Crocus City Hall theater outside Moscow, 22/3/2024. Photo: TASS
Lyudmila Aivar, a lawyer representing the victims, said all four defendants pleaded guilty and apologized to the victims' families after the indictment was read.
Fariduni and Mirzoyev accepted full responsibility, while Rachabalizoda admitted to participating in a "terrorist organization" but denied firing any weapons. Faizov claimed others had "taken advantage of his youth to lead him down a criminal path" and asserted he once had different life plans.
The trial is being held behind closed doors due to classified materials in the case file and to ensure the safety of witnesses and related data. In addition to the four main defendants, 15 other accomplices are on trial for various levels of involvement. Eight of them admitted to some of the charges, while the remaining seven denied all accusations.
The trial is expected to last several months before the judges deliver verdicts for all 19 defendants. Russian authorities have not yet completed their investigation of two suspects believed to be the masterminds behind the attack.
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Suspects in the Crocus City Hall massacre are brought to the 2nd Western District Military Court in Moscow on 4/8. Photo: AP |
Suspects in the Crocus City Hall massacre are brought to the 2nd Western District Military Court in Moscow on 4/8. Photo: AP
The Crocus City Hall shooting resulted in 149 deaths, over 600 injuries, and one person still missing. Approximately 70 victims died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Most victims died from gunshot wounds, while in many cases, the cause of death could not be determined.
Investigators say a total of 2,400 people are connected to the case, including those killed, injured, and present at the scene. Property damage is estimated at 6 billion rubles (nearly 76.5 million USD).
The Crocus City Hall attack is considered the deadliest terrorist act in Russia in the past two decades. Following the massacre, Russian security forces pursued the perpetrators, apprehending them in Bryansk province before they could escape into Ukraine.
Russian officials have linked the attackers to Khorasan, an Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Central Asia. The group also claimed responsibility for the attack. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation believes the attack aimed to destabilize the country and serve Ukraine's interests, although Kyiv denies any involvement.
Thanh Danh (TASS, RT)
