Suspected gunmen go on trial in Moscow over concert hall terror attack

Nineteen people, among them the four suspected gunmen, went on trial in Moscow on Monday over a concert hall attack that claimed 149 lives, one of the worst terrorist attacks in modern Russia.

Four armed men from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan allegedly stormed the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow on 22 March last year, opening fire and then setting the building alight, injuring hundreds of people.

Isis-K, the Islamic State affiliate active in central and south Asia, claimed responsibility for the attack. Moscow, however, has alleged – without presenting credible evidence – that the attack was carried out “in the interests” of Ukraine.

The four suspected attackers and another 15 people accused of being accomplices appeared in court on Monday. About 30 survivors were also present. A military court opened the case behind closed doors, with additional hearings scheduled for later this week.

Read more: The Guardian (UK)