A trial began Monday under tight security for 19 defendants accused of involvement in last yr’s shooting rampage in a Moscow concert hall that killed 149 people and wounded over 600 in considered one of the deadliest attacks within the capital in years.
A faction of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the March 22, 2024, massacre on the Crocus City Hall concert venue by which 4 gunmen shot individuals who were waiting for a show by a preferred rock band after which set the constructing on fire.
President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have claimed, without presenting evidence, that Ukraine had a task within the attack. Kyiv has strongly denied any involvement.
The Investigative Committee, Russia’s top criminal investigation agency, said in June that it concluded that the attack had been “planned and carried out within the interests of the present leadership of Ukraine as a way to destabilize political situation in our country.” It also noted the 4 suspected gunmen tried to flee to Ukraine afterward.
The 4, all identified as residents of Tajikistan, were arrested hours after the attack and later appeared in a Moscow court with signs of being severely beaten.
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The defendants appearing in court on Monday kept their heads bowed as they sat within the defendants’ cage.
The committee said earlier this yr that six other suspects were charged in absentia and placed on Russia’s wanted list for allegedly recruiting and organizing the training of the 4. Other defendants within the trial were accused of helping them.
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