Crocus City Hall Attack: 19 Individuals Convicted in Moscow

A Moscow court has convicted 19 individuals in connection with the March 22, 2024, attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue. The incident resulted in 149 deaths and over 600 injuries.

Sentences included life imprisonment for 15 defendants, with others receiving terms of 22 and a half years and 19 years and 11 months.

Convictions and Sentences

A Moscow military court convicted 19 individuals for their involvement in the attack. Fifteen defendants received life sentences, one was sentenced to 22 and a half years, and three others were given 19 years and 11 months each. Those receiving life sentences are scheduled to serve their terms in both prison and a special regime penal colony.

Additionally, the convicted individuals were ordered to pay fines ranging from 500,000 rubles (approximately $6,300) to 2.7 million rubles ($34,000).

The 19 defendants included four suspected gunmen, identified as citizens of Tajikistan. Others tried alongside them included three men accused of selling a car to the gunmen, an individual who rented an apartment to them, and 10 others facing charges related to terrorist ties.

The Attack

The attack occurred on March 22, 2024, at the Crocus City Hall concert venue. Four gunmen reportedly shot people awaiting a rock band performance and subsequently set the building on fire. The incident resulted in 149 deaths and over 600 injuries. A faction of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The four suspected gunmen were arrested hours after the incident and later appeared in a Moscow court with visible signs of severe beating.

Allegations of Ukrainian Involvement

Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have attributed a role in the attack to Ukraine. Kyiv has consistently denied any involvement.

Russia's Investigative Committee stated that the attack was "planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine in order to destabilize the political situation in Russia." The committee also noted that the four suspected gunmen reportedly attempted to flee to Ukraine following the attack.

Trial Proceedings

The trial commenced in August 2025 in a military court. Proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, with authorities citing security concerns.