Russia is currently investigating and charging 19 individuals following a terrorist attack
The trial for 19 defendants accused of the 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow began in August 2025 under tight security. The attack, which occurred on March 22, 2024, resulted in 149 deaths and over 600 injuries when four armed men opened fire during a concert and set fires that led to the roof collapsing.
Among the accused are four alleged perpetrators—Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Faizov—identified as Tajik nationals and charged with carrying out the attack. All but Faizov have pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges. The other 15 defendants are alleged accomplices charged with aiding and abetting the attackers, with varying degrees of involvement, such as providing logistical support like renting an apartment to the perpetrators.
The prosecution alleges the attack was organized by the Islamic State – Khorasan (IS-K), an affiliate primarily active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with claimed responsibility for the attack. Russian authorities have accused foreign secret services and Ukraine of participating or benefiting from the attack, though Ukraine has categorically denied involvement. The Investigative Committee of Russia stated that the attack was planned and carried out in Ukraine's interests to destabilize Russia's political situation but has not publicly presented concrete evidence.
The trial is conducted by a three-judge panel at the Moscow City Court, specifically the Second Western District Military Court. Some defendants appeared in glass enclosures with their hands cuffed, and the proceedings were closed to the public due to safety concerns. Around 30 survivors have attended the hearings.
Additional details include the arrest timeline: the four alleged attackers were detained in the Bryansk region shortly after the attack, and a total of 10 detainees were held by early April 2024. A suspected organizer, Mohammad Sharifullah, was arrested in the United States and confessed to providing weapons training to the attackers on behalf of IS-K leadership.
In summary:
- Attack date: March 22, 2024, at Crocus City Hall, Moscow.
- Casualties: 149 dead, 600+ injured.
- Defendants: 19 (4 main perpetrators, 15 accomplices).
- Nationality: Mainly Tajik citizens.
- Charges: Terrorism-related offenses.
- Accused affiliation: Islamic State – Khorasan (IS-K).
- Trial start: August 4, 2025, Moscow City Court (Second Western District Military Court).
- Key allegations: Attack planned by IS-K; Russian claims (unproven) of Ukrainian involvement; Ukraine denies participation.
- Security: Trial held under strict security; sessions closed to the public.
These points offer a comprehensive background, overview of the accused, and current court proceedings of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack trial. The attack on Crocus City Hall is considered an Islamist terrorist attack, and the criminal trial involves at least 115 injured parties as co-plaintiffs.
The Community and Employment policies in relation to the trial of the accused individuals for the 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow should address the need for enhanced security measures and victim assistance programs. Furthermore, the General-News and Crime-and-Justice sectors should continue to provide updates on the trial progress, defendants' charges, and allegations of foreign involvement.
