Two of four suspects in Moscow attack plead guilty in court

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Published at 02:06 PM Mar 25 2024
The men identified as Muhammadsobir Fayzov
Photo: Reuters
The men identified as Muhammadsobir Fayzov

DALERDZHON Mirzoyev (32) and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda (30), two of the four suspects, have admitted to terror offences in connection with the Crocus City Hall attack near Moscow, which resulted in the deaths of over 130 people.


Sky News reported that the other suspects, Shamsidin Fariduni (25) and Muhammadsobir Fayzov (19), all hailing from Tajikistan, remain in custody until at least May 22, 2024, awaiting trial as confirmed by Russian authorities.

During the court proceedings, Fayzov arrived in a wheelchair from a hospital, accompanied by medical staff and displaying visible signs of injuries. The other three suspects appeared with visible injuries, raising concerns of possible mistreatment during the interrogation by security services.

The death toll from the Piknik rock concert attack at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk has now reached 137, with 154 individuals reported injured.

The Islamic State faction IS-K has claimed responsibility for the incident, although Russian officials have stated that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to escape to Ukraine, a claim yet to be substantiated.

Kyiv has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, committed to holding accountable those responsible for the ‘barbaric terrorist attack,’ has refrained from commenting on ISIL's claim of responsibility for the attack. Additionally, seven other individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, emphasized that Russia would pursue those responsible for the tragic event, regardless of their origin or affiliations.

There have been discussions among lawmakers regarding the reinstatement of the death penalty, echoing Medvedev's penalty, echoing Medvedev's previous statements about meeting ‘death with death.’

In video footage circulated by Russian media and Telegram channels with close ties to the Kremlin, one of the suspects confessed to being offered money to carry out the attack at Crocus City Hall.

The individual, restrained with hands tied and hair held back by an interrogator, mentioned that he committed the act for financial gain.

The suspects claimed they were promised half a million roubles (just over $5,000) for their involvement in the attack. A Tajik translator facilitated the communication with one of the suspects during questioning.

ISIL asserted on Telegram that the attack was executed by four fighters armed with various weapons. A video, reportedly filmed by the assailants, was shared on social media platforms linked to ISIL, showing disturbing scenes from the concert venue lobby.

The White House disclosed that they had shared information with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow, with a public advisory issued to Americans in Russia on March 7, attributing sole responsibility to ISIL.

Russian officials have expressed discontent with the US comments on the attack, suggesting that Russian investigators should be allowed to conduct their inquiries independently.