NINETEEN suspects went on trial in Moscow today for last year’s terrorist attack on a concert hall in the city, which killed 149 people and wounded more than 600.

The attack on concert-goers at the Crocus City Hall on March 22 2024 was claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan province, a wing of the jihadist group active in Afghanistan and some parts of the former Soviet Union, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Russian intelligence service the FSB accepts the claim, but has also alleged Ukrainian involvement in planning the attack, which Ukraine denies.

Four Tajik citizens standing trial — Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Faizov — are accused of having carried out the attack, with all except Mr Faizov having pleaded guilty. The other 15 are accusing of aiding and abetting it.

Some press were allowed into the courtroom but at the prosecution’s request the trial is closed to the public on security grounds.