Moscow attack suspects appear in court, swollen faces showing signs of torture

Four men accused of orchestrating the devastating attack on the Moscow concert hall, which claimed the lives of over 130 people, made their appearance before a Moscow court on Sunday. All four showed signs of severe beatings and one of them was brought to the court in a wheelchair.

Identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev (32), Saidakrami Rachabalizoda (30), Shamsidin Fariduni (25), and Mukhammadsobir Faizov (19), all four accused were formally charged with committing a group terrorist attack. All four are citizens of Tajikistan and have been ordered by the Moscow court to be held in pre-trial custody until May 22.

Several reports suggested that the suspects endured torture during interrogation by Russian security forces, with Mirzoyev, Rachabalizoda, and Fariduni displaying visible signs of extensive bruising, including swollen faces. Rachabalizoda was seen with a heavily bandaged ear, with unverified claims alleging that one suspect had their ear partially severed during interrogation.

One of the videos of the interrogation showed the security forces cutting off a man’s ear and stuffing it into his mouth, The Guardian reported.

One of the suspects, Faizov, was brought to court from a hospital in a wheelchair. He appeared unresponsive throughout the proceedings and was attended by medical personnel due to his multiple cuts and injuries.

Despite their condition, court officials asserted that Mirzoyev and Rachabalizoda admitted guilt for the attack after being charged.

ISLAMIC STATE CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Several gunmen burst into a concert hall near Moscow last week and opened fire, killing over 130 people. The accused also threw explosives, setting fire to the venue and leading to the concert hall roof collapsing.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, one of the deadliest in Russia in recent years. The terror outfit released a photo and bodycam footage of what it said were of the four gunmen who carried out the bloodbath on March 23 at the Crocus City Hall.

Meanwhile, Russia pointed fingers at Ukraine, alleging that the accused had tried to flee towards Ukraine. Kyiv, for its part, has denied any involvement in the attack.