Four Tajik nationals accused of carrying out the deadly terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in March have confessed to their roles and expressed remorse during the first court hearing, according to the victims' legal representative.
Speaking to TASS, lawyer Lyudmila Aivar, who represents some of the victims, said the accused — Faridoun Shamsiddin, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Muhammadsobir Faizov, and Saidakram Rajabalizoda — pleaded guilty in full and apologized to those affected by the tragedy.
“All of the direct perpetrators of the attack admitted guilt and expressed regret after the indictment was read,” said Aivar. She noted that Faizov claimed he had been manipulated and misled into participating in the attack, saying, “Certain individuals took advantage of my youth,” and that he had “different plans for life.”
Eight additional co-defendants have reportedly admitted partial guilt. These include Umedjon Soliyev, Mustaqim Soliyev, Shahromjon Gadoyev, Zubaydullo Ismoilov, Hussein Homidov, Muhammad Zoir Sharifzoda, Yaqubjon Yusufzoda, and Lutfullo Nazrimat.
However, seven other defendants — Jumakhon Qurbonov, Hussein Medov, Jabrail Aushev, Alisher Qosimov, and three members of the Islomov family (Isroil, Dilovar, and Aminjon) — have denied any involvement.
The co-defendants are accused of supporting the attackers by selling them vehicles, renting them apartments, and providing logistical, financial, or other forms of assistance.
Earlier reports in June indicated that only one of the main suspects, Faridoun Shamsiddin, had fully confessed and expressed remorse. At the time, the other three acknowledged their involvement but showed no sign of repentance.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s Human Rights Ombudsman, Umed Bobozoda, stated at a news conference in Dushanbe that his office had not requested participation in the Russian legal proceedings. According to him, the families of the suspects had also not approached the Ombudsman seeking legal assistance. However, Bobozoda emphasized that he remains in contact with Russian counterparts and credited this cooperation with helping to prevent “open acts of torture” against the accused.
The case is being heard by the 2nd Western District Military Court. While the first session was public, subsequent hearings will be closed at the prosecutor's request due to security concerns for participants.
Over 1,700 individuals have been recognized as victims in the case. Civil lawsuits demanding moral and material damages have been filed against the accused, totaling nearly 66 million rubles (approximately US$826,000).
Future hearings will take place three times a week in courtroom 635 of the Moscow City Court's appellate building — one of the largest courtrooms in Europe, accommodating up to 150 people. Attendance will be limited to direct participants, with media and external observers barred from the sessions.
The court has extended the pre-trial detention of the 19 suspects for an additional six months, until January 7, 2026. All are listed as terrorists under Russian law.
The attack occurred on March 22, 2024, during a concert by the Russian rock band “Piknik” at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk concert venue, near Moscow. Armed assailants stormed the venue, opened fire, and set the hall on fire, killing 149 people and injuring more than 550.
The four primary suspects — all Tajik citizens — attempted to flee but were captured in Russia’s Bryansk region and transported to Moscow. Investigators allege they are members of Welayat-e Khorasan, the Afghan branch of the Islamic State (IS) terror organization.
