Russian Court Hands 15 Life Sentences Over Crocus City Hall Attack

A Russian military court has handed down 15 life sentences in the case of the deadly attack at the Crocus City Hall concert complex near Moscow, RBC reports.

After seven months of hearings, the panel of the court sentenced four gunmen who carried out the assault to life imprisonment during a session held at the Moscow City Court.

The attackers — Shamsidin Fariduni, Dalerdzhon Mirzoev, Muhammadsobir Fayzov and Saidakrami Rachabolizoda — were found guilty of carrying out a terrorist act, participating in a terrorist organisation, weapons trafficking and receiving terrorist training.

Fariduni, described by investigators as the leader of the group, will serve the first 18 years in prison before being transferred to a high security penal colony. Mirzoev and Fayzov must spend 17 years in prison and Rachabolizoda 16 years before similar transfers. Each was also fined 990,000 roubles ($12,500).

Additional defendants receive life sentences

Eleven accomplices were also sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in supporting the attack, including providing weapons, financing and logistical support.

Those receiving life terms include Umedjon Soliev, Mustakim Soliev, Shakhromjon Gadoev, Zaybudullo Ismoilov, Khusein Khamidov, Muhammad Zoir Sharipzoda, Yakubjoni Yusufzoda, Nazrimad Lutfulloi, Jumakhon Kurbonov, Khusen Medov and Jabrayil Aushev. Several were ordered to spend between eight and twelve years in prison before being transferred to high security penal colonies, alongside financial penalties.

Four other defendants received prison sentences ranging from nearly 20 to more than 22 years.

Deadly attack before concert

The assault took place on March 22, 2024 shortly before a concert by Russian rock band Piknik.

Four armed men stormed the venue, opened fire on visitors and set the building ablaze. The fire quickly spread across more than 13,000 square metres of the complex and was not fully extinguished until the following day.

According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, the attack killed 150 people and injured more than 600.

Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Islamic State Khorasan Province, which is linked to the extremist group Islamic State. Russian investigators also alleged involvement by Ukrainian intelligence services, an accusation denied by Kyiv.

Authorities estimate the damage to the concert complex and surrounding infrastructure at around 6 bn roubles ($75.76 mln).

The trial was held behind closed doors after security services warned of possible threats from extremist groups and cited the presence of classified materials in the case.

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