Moscow concert hall attack trial to begin on August 4

The trial of 19 people accused of involvement in last year's deadly Moscow concert hall attack that killed 149 people will begin on August 4, Russian press agencies said on Monday.

On March 22, 2024, armed men stormed the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, opening fire and then setting the venue alight, killing dozens and injuring another 609 people in what was one of the worst attacks in Russia's history.

The Islamic State group repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

A military court in Moscow will begin examining evidence from 11:00 am (0800 GMT) on August 4, according to the court and quoted by the Ria Novosti and TASS state press agencies.

The four suspected attackers, all from Tajikistan, and another 15 presumed accomplices will go on trial.

The attack caused shock in Russia, which was already battling Ukraine in a conflict that began in February 2022.

Despite IS claiming responsibility, and Moscow acknowledging as much a couple of months later, Russian authorities continue to accuse Ukraine of being involved.