Moscow attack: Four suspects appeared in court
Charges have been filed against four suspects arrested in connection with the attacks in Moscow, Russia. Authorities say the four attacked the concert hall last Friday, killing at least 137 people.
After their arrest, three of the four men appeared blindfolded in a Moscow court. And the fourth person was brought in a wheelchair. All of them were accused of committing terrorist activities.
The international terrorist group IS has already posted a video claiming responsibility for the Crocus City Hall attack.
Russian officials have alleged that Ukraine is involved in the attack, although no evidence has been presented. However, Kiev said the allegations were "ridiculous".
The four who appeared in court are Dalerdjan Mirzoev, Said Akrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Faizov.
A video shows three of the four people arrested at Basmany District Court in the capital Moscow being blindfolded by masked police. All three are seen injured.
At that time Mirzoev and Rachabalizoda had black spots in their eyes. Rachabalijoda's ears were wrapped in heavy bandages.
According to news agency Reuters, Fariduni's face was quite swollen. And one of Faizov's eyes, brought in in a wheelchair, seemed to be gone.
Mirzoev is a citizen of Tajikistan, according to a court statement posted on the messaging social media platform Telegram. He "fully admitted his guilt". Rachabalijoda has also 'confessed to the crime'.
The court decided to keep all four in custody until at least May 22.
The arrests came hours after four gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow last Friday evening, appearing in court. Approximately 6,000 people gathered in the hall and enjoyed the concert. Apart from firing, the assailants set fire to the hall. The roof of the hall collapsed.
According to Russian authorities, 137 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the attack. Hours after the attack, IS claimed responsibility. The militant organization also released a video footage of the incident. The BBC verified the video as accurate.
