Moscow court commences hearing regarding lethal assault on music venue, claiming 149 lives - Court proceedings initiated for the lethal assault on the Moscow concert hall, claiming 149 lives
In the heart of Moscow's suburbs, on March 22, 2024, a tragic event unfolded at the Crocus City Hall. Gunmen stormed the concert venue, opening fire on concertgoers and setting the hall ablaze, resulting in the deaths of 149 individuals and injuring over 600[1][2][3][4].
The trial for the attack, which began on August 4, 2025, is currently underway at the Moscow City Court. The proceedings are being overseen by a three-judge panel from the Second Western District Military Court[1][3][4]. Initially open to the public, the trial was later closed when substantive evidence was discussed due to safety concerns.
The four main suspects in the attack are Tajik nationals: Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Shamsidin Fariduni, Muhammadsobir Faizov, and Saidakram Rachabalizoda. They have been accused of carrying out the attack, which saw concertgoers shot and the hall set on fire[1][2][3][4]. Alongside these four, 15 other individuals are on trial, accused of aiding and abetting the attackers[1][2][3].
Three of the four main suspects have pleaded guilty, while Saidakram Rachabalizoda has pleaded partly guilty. The defendants appear with bowed heads and are held in glass cages during the hearings. Reports suggest signs of prior mistreatment while in custody[1][3][4].
Approximately 30 survivors of the attack have attended the trial. The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) faction has claimed responsibility for the attack, which primarily targeted concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall[1][2][3]. Russian authorities have alleged, without presenting evidence, a connection to Ukraine in planning and supporting the attack, a claim that Kyiv denies[1][2][3].
Six others have been charged in absentia for recruiting and training the attackers[1][2][3]. This attack, the deadliest on Russian soil in over two decades, has sent shockwaves through the nation and the wider world. The trial continues, seeking to bring justice for the victims and their families.
[1] The Moscow Times
[2] The Guardian
[3] BBC News
[4] CNN
- The attack on the Moscow concert hall, a significant event falling under the category of crime-and-justice, war-and-conflicts, general-news, and politics, has sent shockwaves through Russia and the wider world after it claimed 149 lives and injured over 600.
- The trial of the Moscow concert hall attack, currently underway at the Moscow City Court, has been dominating the headlines in war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, general-news, and politics sections, with allegations of Ukrainian involvement and the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) faction claiming responsibility.
