Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova has denounced the violent detention of four suspected gunmen involved in a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall. She stated that while it is necessary to detain criminals, it is unacceptable to use torture during the process, insisting that all actions must be conducted in accordance with the law. The attack, which occurred last week, resulted in the death of at least 139 people when four camouflaged gunmen opened fire and set the building on fire.
Footage of the suspects’ interrogations circulating on social media raised concerns that the detainees were subjected to torture by law enforcement. The video showed one suspect having his ear cut off and forced into his mouth, while another had an electric device attached to his genitals. Another suspect was seen in court with cuts and bruises on his face, and a fourth was brought in unconscious on a medical gurney. Reuters verified that the four men in the detention footage were indeed the same individuals who appeared in court on Sunday.
The Kremlin declined to comment on the allegations of torture against the suspected shooters. Seven suspects have been ordered by Moscow’s Basmanny District Court to be held in custody until May 22 to face trial on terrorism charges, with an eighth suspect expected to appear in court imminently. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and released graphic bodycam footage from the gunmen inside the venue. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the involvement of “radical Islamists” in the attack, blaming Ukraine, which refuted the accusations as absurd.
This incident is not the first time that Moskalkova has voiced disapproval of human rights violations in Russia. She had previously criticized the recorded beating of a Russian teenager, Nikita Zhuravel, who was arrested for burning the Quran. The teenager was sentenced to 3.5 years in jail this year, but no investigation was carried out into the beating he endured in detention by Adam Kadyrov, the son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Moskalkova’s condemnation of the treatment of detainees, whether during interrogation or imprisonment, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by human rights advocates in Russia.
The use of torture during detention detracts from the proper administration of justice and adherence to international human rights standards. Moskalkova’s criticism of the treatment of detainees in this case reflects broader concerns about the protection of rights in Russia, particularly in cases involving suspected terrorists or individuals accused of serious crimes. The need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices is underscored by the alleged torture of the suspects involved in the Moscow concert hall attack, as well as previous instances of abuse documented by human rights advocates.
As investigations into the attack continue and suspects face trial, the importance of upholding human rights standards in all stages of the legal process remains paramount. Allegations of torture, such as those raised in this case, must be thoroughly investigated and addressed to ensure justice for both victims and suspects. Moskalkova’s calls for compliance with the law and respect for detainees’ rights are crucial in upholding the rule of law and preventing human rights abuses in Russia. The international community must also monitor the situation closely and support efforts to hold accountable those responsible for any violations that occur throughout the legal process.
