Suspects go on trial for Moscow concert hall attack

President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have claimed, without presenting evidence, that Ukraine had a role in the attack. Kyiv has strongly denied any involvement.

The Investigative Committee, Russia's top criminal investigation agency, concluded the attack had been "planned and carried out in the interests of the current leadership of Ukraine in order to destabilise political situation in our country." 

The committee also noted the four suspected gunmen tried to flee to Ukraine afterward.

The four, all identified as citizens of Tajikistan, were arrested hours after the attack and later appeared in a Moscow court with signs of being severely beaten.

The committee said earlier this year that six other suspects were charged in absentia and placed on Russia's wanted list for allegedly recruiting and organising the training of the four. Other defendants in the trial were accused of helping them. 

The prosecution disclosed that roughly half of the fatalities were caused not by gunfire but by burns sustained during the fire.

Although the trial had been previously announced, its exact start date was kept secret until the weekend.

with DPA