Human rights organisations have condemned for torturing , and circulating photographic and videographic of the cruel punishments. According to evidence,
Russian authorities appear to have violently tormented at least two suspects held for this month's horrific concert hall attacks. On March 22nd, multiple gunmen fired into the crowd of a
Moscow concert, killing at least 143. The killers then proceeded to set the Crocus City Hall on
fire and flee the scene. Russian officials reported the arrest of four suspected attackers and seven accomplices a day later.
Russia named the suspects as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Muhammadsobir Fayzov. On the same day, photos and videos depicting shocking treatment of the suspects began to circulate on Telegram - a
Social Media messaging software. One such video appears to depict uniformed men beating the accused Saidakrami Rachabalizoda in an attempt to gain information. Whilst pinning Rachabalizoda to the ground, the officers threaten to shoot him in the legs, set a dog on him, and cut off his head. In another video, an officer appears to cut off a part of the accused's ear and force-feed it to him. The visual evidence is alleged to have been captured and shared by law enforcement officials. The suspected criminals were then seen in court on March 24th with visible, dramatic injuries. Rachabalizoda was seen with a heavily bandaged ear, a very swollen face, covered in dried blood and bruising. A photograph was also shared of possible
Gunman Shamsidin Fariduni, with his clothes pulled down to his knees and hands held behind him, allegedly connected by a wire to an electric shock device. Fariduni was later seen in court with a swollen, cut face and a black eye. Another of the accused, Dalerjon Mirzoev, was pictured in court with a torn plastic bag around his neck - suggesting torture by asphyxiation. Badly beaten and bruised, Mirzoev was unable to stand during his detention sentencing. Similarly, a barely conscious Mukhammadsobir Faizov was wheeled into the pretrial custody in hospital garb. Faizov's eye was reportedly dislodged during his arrest, leading to necessary surgery. Global NGO
Human Rights Watch have publicly condemned the savage torture. Tanya Lokshina - HRW's associate Europe and Central Asia director - commented: "Nothing, not even a massacre this heinous justifies torture, far less makes it legal. "The rapid and widespread sharing of these videos appears to be no accident but rather some kind of appalling boast by the Putin government of its brazen disregard for basic rights, fundamental humanity, and the rule of law.” Lokshina added: "Torture is not only illegal and immoral, it also jeopardizes the rule of law and justice for victims. Russian authorities at the highest level should declare a zero tolerance policy for torture; all incidents should be promptly and thoroughly investigated, and those responsible brought to account.”