RUSSIA has charged four suspects with acts of terrorism linked to the tragic attack at a concert hall near Moscow, which claimed more than 130 lives.
The four suspects, identified as citizens of Tajikistan residing in Russia, were identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30, Shamsidin Fariduni, 25, ; and Mukhammad sobir Faizov, 19.
They were remanded in pre-trial custody until May 22.
All of them were charged with committing a terrorist attack resulting in the deaths of other people.
The said offense has a maximum sentence of lifetime imprisonment.
Three of the suspects pleaded guilty to all charges, with one admitting that he was promised half a million roubles to carry out the attack.
Meanwhile, reports say the attackers attempted to flee towards Ukraine, although Ukraine denies any involvement in the incident.
To recall, ISIS claimed responsibility of the attack— a claim which the United States has publicly said it believed. But Russia casted doubts the assertions that ISIS was responsible for it.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, questioned US assertions that ISIS, which once sought control over swathes of Iraq and Syria, was behind the attack.
“Attention! A question to the White House: Are you sure it’s ISIS? Might you think again about that?” Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman, Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was inappropriate to comment a claim of responsibility for the attack by ISIS while the investigation is underway.
When asked if the attack was a failure for the special services, Peskov said emotions were running high but that no country was immune to the threat of terrorism, and that it requires full-scale international cooperation.
“Unfortunately, our world shows that no city, no country can be completely immune from the threat of terrorism…The fight against terrorism is an ongoing process that requires full-scale international cooperation,” Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman stated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the detention of 11 individuals, including the four suspected gunmen. He also declared a day of mourning and described the incident as a barbaric terrorist attack.
