Moscow attack suspect appears in court with swollen face showing signs of torture

four men Accused of planning the devastating attack More than 130 people appeared in court in Moscow on Sunday after the incident at a Moscow concert hall killed more than 130 people. All four showed signs of being severely beaten and one was brought to court in a wheelchair.

All four defendants, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev (32), Saidakrami Rachabalizoda (30), Shamsidin Fariduni (25) and Mukhammadsobir Faizov (19), were formally charged with carrying out group terrorist attacks. The four are all citizens of Tajikistan, and a Moscow court ordered their pretrial detention until May 22.

Several reports indicate that the suspects were tortured during interrogations by Russian security forces, with Mirzoev, Rachabalizoda and Fariduni all suffering visible large bruises, including facial swelling. Ratchabalizoda’s ear was heavily bandaged, and there were unconfirmed reports that one suspect’s ear was partially severed during interrogation.

One of the interrogation videos showed security forces cutting off a man’s ears and stuffing them into his mouth, The Guardian reported.

One of the suspects, Fazov, was brought to court from the hospital in a wheelchair. He appeared unresponsive throughout the proceedings and was attended to by medical staff for multiple cuts.

Despite the circumstances, court officials maintained that Mirzoyev and Rachabalizoda pleaded guilty to the attack after being charged.

Islamic State claimed responsibility

Last week, gunmen broke into a concert hall near Moscow and opened fire, killing more than 130 people. The defendants also threw explosives and set fire to the venue, causing the roof of the concert hall to collapse.

Islamic State claimed responsibility It was one of Russia’s deadliest attacks in recent years.The terrorist group released a photo body camera footage The above are the four gunmen who carried out the attack On March 23, a bloody massacre occurred at Crocus City Hall.

Russia, meanwhile, is pointing the finger at Ukraine, claiming the defendants were trying to flee there. Kyiv denied any involvement in the attack.