Four men accused of carrying out the horrific attack on a Moscow concert hall that left over 130 people dead appeared badly beaten in a Moscow courtroom last week.
The suspects, identified as citizens of Tajikistan, were brought before a judge to face charges of committing a terrorist act resulting in death – an offense punishable by life in prison.
The appearance of the men raised alarming questions about potential torture and coerced confessions. Three of the suspects – Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30, and Shamsidin Fariduni, 25 – showed severe bruising and swelling on their faces. Rachabalizoda also had his ear heavily bandaged, following unverified reports that it had been cut off during interrogations.
The fourth suspect in the Moscow concert attack, 19-year-old Mukhammadsobir Faizov, was brought in from a hospital in a wheelchair, his eyes closed throughout the proceedings as he was attended to by medics. His body appeared covered in cuts as well.
Despite their disturbing physical conditions, Russian authorities claim two of the men admitted guilt after charges were filed, though the legitimacy of any confessions seems doubtful given the suspects’ mistreatment.
The high-profile hearing came just one day after the Islamic State claimed the attack on the Crocus City concert venue in Moscow.
President Vladimir Putin has vehemently accused Kyiv of aiding the attackers’ attempted escape. However, U.S. officials confirmed ISIS’s responsibility and said there was no evidence linking Ukraine.
Following the hearing, human rights groups have raised alarms about the apparent torture of the detained suspects, which seems to be a flagrant violation of due process. Forced confessions would only further undermine faith in the Russian judicial system’s ability to credibly investigate and prosecute the horrific Moscow concert hall attack.