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Russia Hands Life Terms to 15 in Crocus City Hall Massacre

The seven-month, closed-door military trial ended with the court validating the prosecution’s case, imposing the harshest punishments allowed under Russian law.

Overview

  • A Russian military court gave life sentences to the four gunmen and 11 direct accomplices, and in a parallel case imposed 19–22 years on four others linked to the plot.
  • The gunmen were Tajik citizens whom prosecutors say received terrorist training before the 22 March 2024 attack.
  • Judges accepted charges of illegal arms trafficking, participation in a terrorist organization, and committing a terrorist act, granting prosecutors’ request for maximum penalties.
  • Islamic State Khorasan Province claimed responsibility, while Russia’s Investigative Committee alleged Ukrainian involvement, a claim Ukraine rejects.
  • The assault killed 150 people, wounded more than 600, triggered fires that destroyed over 13,000 square meters, and caused an estimated 6 billion rubles in damage.