The site of the recent attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall, which killed 144 people, has become a makeshift memorial as thousands of people bring flowers, wreaths, and teddy bears to honor the victims. Foreign diplomats from countries such as the United States, EU nations, Africa, and Latin America also paid their respects by laying flowers at the site. The Russian state news agency reported that around 130 diplomatic missions, including representatives from “unfriendly states,” participated in the memorial event. The number of wounded in the attack has been reported to be 551, according to the Moscow regional department of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.
The death toll from the attack rose to 144 when a severely injured victim succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The Russian Health Minister confirmed the new death toll and stated that 134 of the deceased victims had been identified. The Investigative Committee of Russia mentioned that genetic tests are being conducted for unidentified victims. An affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, while the Kremlin has accused Ukraine and the West of having a role in the incident, which Kyiv vehemently denied. Tajikistan’s state security service detained nine individuals in relation to the attack, and in Russia, nine suspects have faced court proceedings and have been remanded in pre-trial detention.
During a court hearing in the Basmanny District Court, a judge ruled that suspect Lutfulloi Nazrimad should remain in custody until at least May 22. Nazrimad, who claimed to be born in Tajikistan, is one of the suspects involved in the attack. In response to the incident, Tajikistan has seen an outflow of migrant workers from Moscow back to their home country. Tajikistan’s Ministry of Labor, Migration, and Employment reported that many citizens are expressing fear and panic after the attack and want to leave Russia. Russian officials previously arrested 11 suspects, including four alleged attackers who appeared in court on terrorism charges showing signs of severe beatings. The Investigative Committee detained another suspect in connection to the attack for suspected involvement in financing the incident. Details about the suspect’s identity and actions were not provided by the authorities.
The aftermath of the attack has sparked international attention, with foreign diplomats joining in to pay their respects at the memorial site in Moscow. The tragic event that claimed the lives of 144 individuals has raised concerns about security and the threat of terrorism in the region. As investigations continue to unfold, the role of different parties in the attack, including the Islamic State group and alleged financiers, remains a focal point for authorities. The impact of the attack has also been felt in neighboring countries, such as Tajikistan, where migrant workers are returning home due to fear and uncertainty following the incident. The international community stands in solidarity with Russia as it grapples with the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.
