Trial Begins for 19 Accused in Deadly 2024 Moscow Concert Attack

The trial began in Moscow for 19 defendants accused of involvement in the March 22, 2024, terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, which killed 149 people and wounded over 600. Four gunmen from Tajikistan carried out the attack, shooting concertgoers and setting the building on fire, with the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate (ISIS-K) claiming responsibility. Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin, have alleged without evidence that Ukraine was involved in planning and executing the attack, a claim Kyiv strongly denies. The Investigative Committee stated the attack was designed to destabilize Russia politically and noted the suspects tried to flee to Ukraine. Nearly half of the victims died from smoke inhalation rather than gunfire, and the attack exposed significant security failures amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the suspects' treatment, as they appeared in court with signs of having been beaten.