Lutfulloi Nazrimad : “9 Detained in Tajikistan linked to Moscow Concert Hall Attack”

By Trend News Line 2024-03-30 10:38:00.

Detentions in Tajikistan Over Moscow Concert Hall Attack

Nine individuals have been apprehended by Tajikistan’s state security service in connection with the recent tragic attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that claimed the lives of 144 innocent individuals, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. The arrests came precisely one week after the horrifying incident at Crocus City Hall, where gunmen opened fire on concert-goers before setting the venue ablaze. The four perpetrators, who have been identified as Tajik nationals, were swiftly apprehended following the attack.

Alleged IS Affiliation and International Speculations

In a claim of responsibility, an affiliate of the Islamic State group has taken credit for the heinous attack, marking it as one of the deadliest on Russian soil in recent years. Despite this assertion, the Kremlin has asserted that Ukraine and Western powers were involved in the orchestration of the attack, an accusation vehemently denied by Kyiv. The detained individuals in Tajikistan, residents of the Vakhdat district east of Dushanbe, are suspected of having ties to IS. Russian security forces collaborated in the operation to detain them, according to RIA Novosti.

Judicial Proceedings and Additional Suspects

In Russia, a total of nine suspects have already faced court proceedings and have been placed in pretrial detention. During the latest hearing at the Basmanny District Court, suspect Lutfulloi Nazrimad was ordered to remain in custody until at least May 22. Mediazona reported Nazrimad stating in court that he was born in Tajikistan. Notably, Russian officials have previously announced the arrest of 11 suspects, including the four alleged attackers, who appeared in a Moscow court on terrorism charges. Reports have indicated signs of severe beatings on the suspects during the legal proceedings.

Russian Allegations and Denials

The Russian Investigative Committee disclosed the detention of another suspect linked to the Crocus City Hall attack on suspicion of involvement in financing the operation. However, details regarding the identity and alleged actions of this suspect have not been disclosed to the public. President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly insinuated, without concrete evidence, that Ukraine and Western entities played a role in the attack. The Investigative Committee has claimed that the perpetrators received significant financial support, including cryptocurrency, from Ukraine for planning the attack. Furthermore, the suspects allegedly mentioned instructions to travel to Kyiv post-attack to collect their payment.

Continuing Investigations and Rising Death Toll

Despite ongoing denials from Ukrainian officials, Russia continues to assert that external forces were involved in the tragic incident as a ploy to escalate conflict in Ukraine. The death toll from the attack has climbed to 144 following the passing of a severely injured victim in a hospital on Friday, as confirmed by Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. As investigations progress, more details regarding the assailants and their motivations are expected to emerge..

– detained in Tajikistan
– Moscow concert hall attack.