Moscow tragedy: Russia observed a somber day on Sunday as flags were lowered to half-mast in mourning following a tragic incident at a concert outside Moscow. The country swiftly charged two suspects in connection with the attack, marking the deadliest assault within Russia in two decades.President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning, vowing to hold all all responsible for the attack that occurred on Friday evening. The assault claimed the lives of 137 people, including three children, and left 182 others injured, with over 100 still hospitalised, some in critical condition. Putin paid tribute to the victims by lighting a candle at a church in his Moscow residence on Sunday evening.The attack took place at Crocus City Hall, a 6,200-seat concert venue, where four armed assailants disrupted a performance by the Soviet-era rock group Picnic. Gunfire erupted as the attackers fired upon civilians, resulting in a tragic scene of chaos and screams.While the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, Putin has refrained from naming any specific group publicly. He indicated that the gunmen were attempting to flee to Ukraine, with assistance from individuals on the Ukrainian side.Moscows Basmanny district court charged two suspects, Dalerdzhon Barotovich Mirzoyev and Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, with acts of terrorism related to the assault. Mirzoyev, a Tajik national, confessed to the charges and was remanded in custody until May 22.The incident marked Russias deadliest attack since the 2004 Beslan school siege, underscoring the severity of the tragedy. The Deputy Chairman of Russias Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, emphasised the nations commitment to pursue justice against those responsible, regardless of their origins or identities.Amid discussions about potential punitive measures, including the reintroduction of the death penalty for such crimes, expressions of mourning and solidarity spread across Russia and garnered international attention and condolences from countries worldwide.
