A Russian military court in Moscow convicted 19 people on Thursday over the March 22, 2024, terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near the capital, which left 149 dead and more than 600 wounded.

The 2nd Western District Military Court handed life sentences to 15 defendants, including the four Tajik nationals identified as the gunmen: Shamsidin Fariduni, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Muhammadsobir Faizov, and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda. Eleven accomplices also received life terms for aiding the attack, such as transporting weapons and providing financial support. The remaining four defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 19 years and 11 months to 22.5 years for lesser roles, including renting a vehicle and an apartment to the perpetrators.

The gunmen, all citizens of Tajikistan, opened fire on concertgoers waiting for a performance by the rock band Picnic before dousing the venue in flammable liquid and setting it ablaze. The assault, the deadliest in Russia in two decades, was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), which released video footage showing the attackers shooting victims and reciting religious phrases.

Three of the gunmen, Fariduni, Mirzoyev, and Faizov, pleaded guilty during the trial, while Rachabalizoda maintained his innocence and described his actions as jihad. The proceedings, which began on August 4, 2025, were held behind closed doors for security reasons.

Russian authorities linked the defendants to ISIS-K and other banned terrorist groups. Although President Vladimir Putin and officials initially accused Ukraine of involvement, citing the gunmen's attempted flight toward the border and alleged financial ties, a later investigation by Russia's Investigative Committee found no evidence of Kyiv's role. Ukraine has consistently denied any connection.

The court also imposed fines of 990,000 rubles (about $12,500) on each of the four gunmen, and the life sentences will be served in special-regime penal colonies. It remains unclear if any defendants plan to appeal.

The attack drew international condemnation and prompted Russia to heighten security measures nationwide. Families of the victims have expressed relief at the verdicts, though some human rights groups raised concerns about the trial process, including reports of torture during initial interrogations.