The Second Western District Military Court in Moscow has begun preliminary closed-door proceedings for 19 suspects charged in the March 22, 2024, terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, according to Russian state agency TASS. The attack left 149 people dead and caused an estimated 6 billion rubles in damages.
Court spokesperson Irina Zhirnova stated that the session would follow Article 234 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code, meaning a single judge will preside over the preliminary hearing, which is not open to the public. “We will take unprecedented security measures,” she added. Federal security personnel are tasked with guarding the courtroom.
The case will be heard by a three-judge panel. The evidence dossier spans more than 470 volumes and includes forensic materials and the results of over 200 expert examinations. A key issue still to be resolved is the trial venue: facilities at Moscow City Court are under renovation and cannot accommodate all parties involved in the high-profile case.
The court has not yet determined whether the main trial will be open to the public and the media. Under Russian law, that decision will be made when the main hearing opens and the indictment is formally read. The court retains the right to close any session in the interest of security.
The Prosecutor’s Case
According to TASS’s summary of the prosecution’s case, two wanted Tajik nationals and several unidentified individuals allegedly acted “in the interests of Ukraine’s political leadership.” They are accused of organizing three cells of the extremist group “Vilayat Khorasan,” affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), and of recruiting 19 Tajik citizens, appealing to their religious beliefs.
The defendants include Shamsiddin Fariduni, Dalerjon Mirzoev, Muhammadsobir Faizov, and Saidakram Muradali Rachabalizoda, all of whom are on Russia’s official list of banned terrorists.
Prosecutors allege that Rachabalizoda, Faizov, Mirzoev, and Fariduni were instructed to carry out the armed assault and arson at Crocus City Hall. Other defendants, such as the Islomov brothers and Alisher Kasimov, allegedly provided financial and logistical support, including accommodations and vehicles. Hussein Medov, Jabrayil Aushev, and others are accused of manufacturing and delivering weapons and ammunition. The Soliev brothers, along with suspects Ismoilov, Gadoev, and Hamidov, reportedly helped transport arms to the attackers. Prosecutors say Rachabalizoda’s cellmates also contributed funds.
Following the attack, the four main perpetrators attempted to flee to Ukraine but were apprehended in Russia’s Bryansk Region and later transferred to Moscow for trial.
Security and Legal Implications
The Crocus City Hall attack shocked the whole of Russia. In response, the military court is conducting the preliminary phase behind closed doors amid heightened security.
The upcoming full trial will establish a timeline for the presentation of evidence by both the defense and prosecution. It will culminate in verdicts and, if found guilty, sentences under Russia’s anti-terrorism laws.
