Russia said Thursday it had the “ evidence » that the perpetrators of the attack which left 143 dead near Moscow had links with “ Ukrainian nationalists “, accusations described by Washington as ” absurd propaganda “.
3 mins
The attack, which took place Friday evening in a large concert hall, was claimed by the jihadist organization Islamic State (IS) but Russian officials say theUkraine and the Westerners are the instigators. kyiv and its allies deny any involvement in this killing and believe that the Kremlin, in the midst of an armed conflict against Ukraine, is seeking to blame the latter for political reasons.
The Investigative Committee, the body responsible for the main criminal investigations in Russia, affirmed Thursday in this context that he had new elements proving, according to him, a Ukrainian lead. “ Work with detained terrorists, examination of technical devices seized from them and analysis of information on financial transactions made it possible to obtain evidence of their links with Ukrainian nationalists », Assured the Committee on Telegram.
According to this organization, the four attackers also received “ large sums of money and cryptocurrencies from Ukraine, which were used in the preparation of this crime “. Investigators, who have not published any documents or elements to corroborate these statements, also announced the arrest of a new suspect, accused of having participated in “ funding » of the attack. Authorities previously reported the arrest of 11 people, including the four suspected attackers. Eight were charged and remanded in custody.
Also listenMoscow attack: “EI-K struck in particular because of Russian support for Syrian power”
Of the “ manure dealers » for the United States
Russian leaders are “ manure dealers » trying to broadcast a “ absurd propaganda ” about the attack in the suburbs of the Russian capital, of which IS is ” solely responsible », Reacted the White House on Thursday. John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, recounted that his farmer uncle had “ customary to say that the best manure dealers often carry their samples in their mouths “. And to add: “ Russian officials seem to be pretty good dung merchants “.
On March 22, gunmen attacked the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, opening fire on spectators and causing a huge fire. This attack left at least 143 dead and 360 injured, including children. According to President Vladimir Putinthe four attackers were arrested in the Russian region of Bryansk while trying to flee to Ukraine, where a “ window » allowing them to cross the border had been prepared on the Ukrainian side. For the moment, the investigative committee cites a duration of the attack of 13 minutes and the use of automatic weapons. Russian television broadcast images of what police say they found at the scene: two Kalashnikov assault rifles, 500 bullets and 28 magazines.
Ukraine vigorously denies any involvement in this massacre, accusing Moscow of wanting to “ blame » about kyiv. The United States said it warned Russia in March that a terrorist attack was likely to target large gatherings in Moscow.
Read alsoAttack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow: Tajik migrants face a wave of rejection