The recent bloody attack on a concert hall near Moscow that claimed the lives of at least 137 people has shocked the nation. The four men suspected of carrying out this horrific act were arraigned in a district court late Sunday and charged with committing a terrorist act.
The suspects, who are from Tajikistan but worked as migrant laborers in Russia, were remanded in custody until May 22. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison. During the proceedings at Basmanny District Court, two of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, while the plea of the other two remains unknown.
The men appeared severely battered and injured as they were brought into the courtroom. Videos of them being tortured and beaten during interrogation circulated widely on Russian social media, sparking outrage and condemnation.
One of the suspects, Muhammadsobir Z. Fayzov, a 19-year-old barber, was rolled into the courtroom from a hospital emergency room on a wheelchair, wearing a catheter and an open hospital gown. He answered questions quietly and stammered, often speaking in Tajik through a translator.
Another suspect, Saidakrami M. Rachalbalizoda, had a large bandage hanging off the right side of his head, where interrogators had reportedly sliced off a part of his ear and forced it into his mouth.
The judge allowed only parts of the hearings to be witnessed by the press, citing concerns about revealing sensitive details of the investigation or putting the lives of court workers at risk.
The attack, which occurred during a rock concert, resulted in the deaths of 137 people and left 182 injured. President Vladimir V. Putin suggested a possible link to Ukraine, but the United States has attributed the attack to the extremist jihadi organization, the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility.
The suspects, who were arrested after their car was intercepted by authorities, include Dalerjon B. Mirzoyev, Muhammadsobir Z. Fayzov, Saidakrami M. Rachalbalizoda, and Shamsidin Fariduni. The Islamic State has reportedly been able to recruit migrant laborers from Central Asia in Russia who face discrimination.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the lives lost in this senseless act of violence.
