Four men have been charged with the massacre at a Moscow theater, and they have been identified as citizens of Tajikistan, a country from which thousands migrate to Russia each year seeking better opportunities. Tajikistan is plagued with poverty and religious tensions, with hard-line Islamists being a significant force opposing the government during a civil war in the 1990s. The militants responsible for the Moscow massacre, who are linked to the Islamic State group in Afghanistan, reportedly recruit heavily from Tajikistan. The suspects appeared in a Moscow court on terrorism charges, with signs of being beaten or injured during their detention.
The four suspects, identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Mukhammadsobir Fayzov, have varying backgrounds, with some residing in Russia legally while others were living there illegally. The suspects appeared in court with injuries, leading to questions about their treatment while in custody. Islamic tensions in Tajikistan have been a prevalent issue, with the country experiencing a civil war in the 1990s that ultimately led to restrictions on religious freedoms by the government. Despite this, Tajikistan has not officially commented on the arrest of the suspects.
Most of the attacks linked to Islamic extremists in Russia in recent history have been connected to Chechen separatists, but more recent attacks have been attributed to or claimed by the Islamic State group. The Islamic State opposed Russia’s intervention in Syria and has been responsible for various attacks in the country. The group has attracted fighters from around the world, including the former Soviet Union. Notable figures, such as Gulmurod Khalimov, a former officer from Tajikistan’s special forces, have joined IS. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the 2015 bombing of a Russian airliner and the 2017 St. Petersburg subway bombing, among other attacks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the suspects in the Moscow theater attack as “radical Islamists” and mentioned the possibility of Ukraine’s involvement, despite strong denials from Ukraine. The suspects, who include individuals as young as 19 years old, are believed to have been recruited for the attack. Tajikistan has a substantial number of migrants in Russia due to economic hardships in the country, and tensions related to Islam have been a significant issue. The case highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in Russia and the involvement of radical groups like the Islamic State.
