Men accused of orchestrating the deadly attack on a Russia concert hall, resulting in over 130 fatalities, appeared in a Moscow court displaying signs of severe beatings as they faced formal terrorism charges.
One of the accused seemed barely conscious during the proceedings.
Two of the suspects admitted their involvement in the assault during the preliminary hearing, although the condition of the accused raised concerns about the authenticity of their confessions.
Earlier reports from Russian media outlets had conflicting information, with some stating that three or all four suspects confessed to the crime.
Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev (32), Saidakrami Rachabalizoda (30), Shamsidin Fariduni (25), and Mukhammadsobir Faizov (19) were officially charged by Moscow’s Basmanny District Court with committing a group terrorist attack resulting in fatalities, an offense punishable by life imprisonment.
All four suspects, citizens of Tajikistan, were ordered to be held in pre-trial custody until May 22.
Reports surfaced in Russian media alleging torture during interrogation by security services, with Mirzoyev, Rachabalizoda, and Fariduni displaying visible signs of bruising, including swollen faces.
Rachabalizoda was observed with a heavily bandaged ear, sparking speculation that one suspect had his ear severed during interrogation, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Faizov, the fourth suspect, appeared in court in a wheelchair, with his eyes closed throughout the proceedings.
He wore a hospital gown and trousers, exhibiting multiple cuts, and received medical attention while in court.
Despite their initial denial, Mirzoyev and Rachabalizoda reportedly admitted guilt for the attack after being formally charged.
The court hearing coincided with Russia’s national day of mourning for the victims of the attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue.
Rescue efforts continued as the death toll rose, with authorities conducting DNA testing to identify the deceased.
Russian President Vladimir Putin implicated Ukraine in the attack, an allegation vehemently denied by the Ukrainian government.
The U.S. intelligence community confirmed ISIS’s responsibility for the attack, dismissing any Ukrainian involvement.
The incident, claimed by an ISIS affiliate, marked the deadliest attack on Russian soil in years, further escalating tensions between Russia and ISIS.
As the nation mourned, families of the missing anxiously awaited news, while questions arose about the authorities’ failure to prevent the attack despite prior warnings.
