MOSCOW—Russian government representatives have alleged the involvement of “the special services of an unfriendly state” in orchestrating last year’s devastating attack at a concert hall in Moscow, which resulted in the deaths of 145 individuals. According to Svetlana Petrenko of the Russian Investigative Committee, the purpose behind this act was to “destabilize the situation in Russia.” However, she refrained from naming the specific state regarded as “unfriendly.”
In her remarks, Petrenko highlighted that charges have been brought against “six Central Asians,” who are believed to be outside Russia, for allegedly recruiting and preparing the perpetrators. These individuals have been listed as wanted by Russian authorities. The media has identified four suspects involved in the attack as citizens of Tajikistan. In March last year, these suspects were presented before a Moscow court on terrorism charges and were visibly displaying signs of severe assault. One of them appeared barely aware of the court proceedings.
The assault on Crocus City Hall in Moscow occurred on March 22, 2024, and marked the deadliest attack in Russia in several years, leaving hundreds wounded. Petrenko stated that 19 individuals are currently detained in connection to the incident.
Though a faction of the Islamic State group has taken responsibility for the atrocity, claiming gunmen were involved who opened fire on crowds before igniting the premises, Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, have insinuated Ukraine’s possible involvement, albeit without substantiation. The Ukrainian government has firmly denied any such claims.
In remembrance of those lost in the tragedy, a memorial was inaugurated on Saturday outside Crocus City Hall on the attack’s first anniversary. Mourners gathered, leaving floral tributes, stuffed toys, and candles in homage to the victims.
