Eighth suspect in Moscow terror attack appears in court

Eight suspects have been remanded in custody awaiting trial since terrorists opened fire on a crowd at a Moscow concert hall, the deadliest attack in Russia in two decades.

Alisher Kasimov, the eighth suspect in the terrorist attack, appears in a Moscow court on March 26, 2024. Photo: Moscow court.

The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility and released a video of the attack. The US and France said their intelligence showed the group was behind the attack that killed 139 people and injured 182 at the Crocus City Hall theater.

Kyrgyz-born Alisher Kasimov, who was remanded in custody on Tuesday, was led into the courtroom bowing. He is accused of providing accommodation to four Tajik men accused of carrying out the terror attack.

Tajikistani President Emomali Rakhmon is personally overseeing the country's part of the investigation into the Moscow attack, which he said was a "terrible and shameful event", Tajik sources said.

Russian investigators said that after opening fire with AK-47s, the attackers doused the building with petrol before leaving, even continuing to attack a family with two young children as they sped out of the parking lot.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that the attack was carried out by Islamist militants but also suspected that Ukraine, which is in an armed conflict with Russia, may have played a role. Ukraine has denied any role.

Russia says four terror suspects have confessed. Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's FSB security service, said the number of accomplices in the attack would be larger than the 11 people who have been arrested.

Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of Russia's Security Council, said Ukraine was “of course” behind the attack, after days of hinting that Kiev was responsible.

Mai Anh (according to TASS, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nghi-pham-thu-8-vu-khung-bo-moscow-xuat-hien-truoc-toa-nga-cu-nguoi-den-tajikistan-dieu-tra-post77910.html