Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently stated that the perpetrators behind the deadly Moscow concert hall attack will be killed, as calls for the restoration of the death penalty in Russia increase. Medvedev made this statement after four suspects were placed in pre-trial detention following the attack that killed at least 137 people and wounded 182 others. The attack, claimed by the ISIS-K affiliate, was the deadliest in Russia in the past two decades.
Medvedev expressed his belief that it is important to kill not only the four suspects in custody but also everyone involved in the Crocus City Hall attack, including those who paid, sympathized, and helped. He emphasized the need to “kill them all” and has been calling for aggressive action against those responsible for the attack. Medvedev, who currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, is known for his strong pro-war stance following the invasion of Ukraine.
Medvedev is part of a growing number of Russian officials advocating for the lifting of the three-decade moratorium on capital punishment in the country. This move has raised concerns among critics who fear the consequences of broadening the use of counter-terrorism and anti-extremism laws in Russia. In 2023, there was a record number of terrorism cases opened by authorities, and various groups, including the “international LGBT movement” and Alexei Navalny’s network, have been designated as extremists.
In an English-language post on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev promised to avenge each and every victim of the Crocus City Hall attack. His strong statements reflect the ongoing debate within Russia on how to address terrorism and extremism within the country. The attack has sparked calls for harsher measures against those responsible, with Medvedev and others advocating for a more aggressive approach. The discussion around reinstating the death penalty highlights the deep divide within Russian society on the appropriate response to such acts of violence.
As Russia grapples with the aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack, the government faces pressure to take swift and decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Medvedev’s call to “kill them all” underscores the seriousness of the situation and the determination of Russian officials to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. The debate over the death penalty and the broader implications for human rights and justice in Russia continue to be hotly contested issues, with no easy solutions in sight.
