The attack on the Crocus Concert Hall near Moscow was the worst terrorist act carried out in Russia in more than 20 years. Gunmen attacked the venue on Friday night, killing more than 130 people.
Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility and provided additional footage of the massacre.
On Sunday, four suspects charged with terrorism in connection with the incident appeared in court in the Russian capital. According to Tass state news agency, the men were officially identified as Tajik citizens and were detained for two months.
Despite significant evidence pointing in one direction, the Kremlin has been reluctant to pin the blame on IS. President Vladimir Putin has claimed without evidence that Ukraine supported the attackers and planned to “open the window” so they could escape.
A Kremlin spokesperson said: “The investigation continues. No firm theory has been released yet. This is just preliminary information.”
This is a dangerous moment for President Putin, who has close ties to Russia's security services. It is also a moment of opportunity, as he seeks to reflect the public's anger in his own response in the coming days.
Photo: Maxim Shipenkov/EPA
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