Moscow court hands life terms to perpetrators of Crocus City Hall assault

A military court in Moscow has sentenced the perpetrators and accomplices of the March 22, 2024, terror attack at Crocus City Hall to life imprisonment, ASTRA reports.

The direct attackers — Dalerjon Mirzoev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Muhammadsobir Fayzov and Shamsidin Fariduni — received life sentences. Three of them admitted their guilt, while Rachabalizoda refused to acknowledge himself as a terrorist, claiming he was carrying out “jihad.”

In total, 15 of the 19 defendants received life sentences. Four others, who provided the attackers with a vehicle and an apartment, were sentenced to terms ranging from 19 to 22 years. Most alleged accomplices partially admitted their involvement, while five defendants denied all wrongdoing.

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that the attack was planned and executed in the interests of Ukraine’s current leadership, though Kyiv has consistently denied any involvement. Immediately following the attack, the militant group Wilayat Khorasan, linked to the Islamic State, claimed responsibility.

The Crocus City Hall assault occurred in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, as attackers stormed the venue prior to a performance by the band Piknik, opening fire on attendees. Official reports list 149 dead, 609 injured or recognized as victims, and one person still missing.

By Vafa Guliyeva