Moscow Court Convicts 19 in 2024 Concert Hall Attack
A Moscow court has sentenced 19 individuals in relation to the deadly attack at a concert hall in 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 149 people and injuries to over 600 others. The incident at the Crocus City Hall marked one of the most lethal attacks in the city in recent times.
The massacre took place on March 22, 2024, when four gunmen opened fire on a crowd awaiting a rock concert and subsequently set the building on fire. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Among the convicted, 15 individuals received life sentences. One individual was sentenced to 22 1/2 years, while three others received 19 years and 11 months each. The trial, which began in August 2025, was conducted in a military court due to the nature of the charges and was held behind closed doors for security reasons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials have suggested, without providing evidence, that Ukraine might have been involved in the attack. However, Ukraine has firmly denied any connection to the events.
The Investigative Committee, Russia’s primary criminal investigation body, stated that the attack was orchestrated to serve the interests of Ukraine’s leadership, aiming to destabilize Russia’s political climate. The four gunmen, identified as Tajikistan citizens, allegedly attempted to escape to Ukraine but were captured shortly after the attack.
These four suspects appeared in court with visible injuries, suggesting severe beatings. Along with them, individuals charged included those accused of providing logistical support, such as selling a vehicle and renting an apartment to the attackers, as well as others linked to terrorist activities, as reported by the independent Russian outlet Mediazona.
