A trial has commenced for 19 defendants accused of being involved in the shooting rampage at a Moscow concert hall last year. The attack resulted in 149 fatalities and injured over 600 individuals.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the March 22 incident at Crocus City Hall. During the attack, four gunmen opened fire on concert-goers awaiting a performance by a popular rock band before setting the building ablaze.
Despite the IS claim, President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have alleged Ukrainian involvement in the attack, although they have not provided any supporting evidence.
Ukraine has vehemently denied any connection.
Russia’s top criminal investigation agency, the Investigative Committee, stated in June that the attack was “planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine in order to destabilise the political situation” within Russia.
The Investigative Committee also stated that the four suspected gunmen attempted to flee to Ukraine after the attack.
The four individuals, identified as Tajikistani citizens, were apprehended shortly after the attack. They were later presented in a Moscow court, displaying signs of severe physical abuse.
Earlier this year, the committee announced that six additional suspects were charged in absentia and added to Russia’s wanted list for allegedly recruiting and training the four gunmen.
The remaining defendants in the trial are accused of providing assistance those alleged to be the gunmen.
