How does a country respond to one of the deadliest terror attacks in its recent history?
In Russia, the answer has now come in the form of harsh prison sentences.
A military court has jailed 19 people for their roles in the devastating 2024 attack at the Crocus City Concert Hall near Moscow.
The assault left 149 people dead and more than 500 injured, making it the worst mass shooting in the country in two decades.
The attack unfolded on 22 March 2024, when gunmen stormed the concert hall in Krasnogorsk during a packed rock show attended by roughly 6,000 people.
Witnesses described chaos as the attackers fired randomly before setting the building ablaze.
Flames quickly spread, the roof collapsed, and many victims died either from gunshots or smoke inhalation.
Attack Trial Verdicts
Four attackers—identified as citizens of Tajikistan—received life sentences, along with 11 accomplices accused of providing weapons, money or other support.
Four additional defendants were jailed for 19 to 22 years for helping the attackers with logistics.
The extremist group Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility and even released video of the attack.
Still, Russian officials have repeatedly accused Ukraine of involvement—claims strongly rejected by Kyiv.
The trial took place behind closed doors, leaving many questions unanswered.
One thing, however, is clear: long after the court verdicts, the scars of that night will remain.
