Suspects in concert hall terror attack go on trial in Moscow

Nineteen people, among them four suspected gunmen, went on trial in Moscow yesterday over a concert hall attack that claimed 149 lives in one of the worst terrorist attacks in modern Russia.

- Pjotr Sauer

Four armed men from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan allegedly stormed the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow on 22 March last year, opening fire and then setting the building alight, injuring hundreds of people.

Isis-K, an Islamic State affiliate active in central and south Asia, claimed responsibility for the attack. Moscow, however, has alleged - without presenting credible evidence - that the attack was carried out "in the interests" of Ukraine.

The four suspected attackers and 15 people accused of being accomplices appeared in court yesterday.

About 30 survivors were also present. A military court opened the case behind closed doors and additional hearings are scheduled for later this week.

The attack shocked Russia and was widely seen as the result of a catastrophic security failure, with the country's security services distracted by the war in Ukraine and a crackdown on domestic anti-war dissent.