The Second Western District Military Court in Moscow has begun preliminary hearings in the high-profile criminal case concerning the March 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. TASS reports that according to the court’s press service, the proceedings are being held behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Officials say unprecedented security measures are being taken to protect all participants in the trial, with law enforcement agencies providing enhanced protection throughout the process.
The case will be heard by a panel of three judges and involves 19 defendants. The investigation has produced an extensive dossier of more than 470 volumes, including physical evidence and the results of over 200 forensic examinations conducted on the accused.
Among the defendants are Faridoun Shamsiddin, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Muhammadsobir Faizov, Saidakram Rajabalizoda, Umedjon Soliyev, Mustaqim Soliyev, Shahromjon Gadoyev, Zubaidullo Ismoilov, Hussein Hamidov, Muhammadzoir Sharifzoda, Yoqubjon Yusufzoda, Lutfullo Nazrimad, Jumakhon Qurbonov, Hussein Medov, Jabrail Aushev, Alisher Qosimov, and brothers Isroil, Dilovar, and Aminjon Islomov.
Investigations are ongoing against two suspected organizers and four additional alleged participants who are not yet on trial.
Russia’s Investigative Committee previously announced it had completed the core investigation into the Crocus City Hall attack and had submitted the case materials to the Prosecutor’s Office for referral to the court.
The attack, which occurred on March 22, 2024, was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in recent Russian history. According to investigators, 149 people were killed, one person remains missing, and over 600 others were injured after a group of armed men stormed the concert venue and set it ablaze.
Authorities allege the attack was meticulously planned and claim it was carried out “in the interests of the Ukrainian leadership” to destabilize the situation in Russia—a claim Ukraine has strongly denied.
Investigators also revealed that the group had planned a second attack, targeting an entertainment complex in Kaspiysk, Dagestan, which was ultimately thwarted. Weapons used in the Crocus attack were reportedly transported through Kaspiysk.
The suspects are believed to have prepared for the assault over several months, with some allegedly receiving specialized training abroad. However, the countries where this training took place have not been disclosed.
