Macron Denounces Blame Game: Moscow Terror Attack Fallout
President Emmanuel Macron of France stated on Monday that attributing blame to Ukraine for the terrorist attack in Crocus City, Moscow, would be deemed "cynical and counterproductive" for Russia and its citizens.
"We must exercise caution regarding any manipulation of the attack," asserted Macron, as cited by CNN.
Macron expressed solidarity with the Russian people following the "Islamist terrorist attack" in Moscow and offered French assistance in providing information about the incident. He indicated that France and its primary allies believe the entity responsible for planning and executing the attack is associated with the Islamic State, though specific identification was not disclosed.
Subsequent to the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the "perpetrators" fled towards the Ukrainian border before being apprehended. These statements came subsequent to ISIS's claim of responsibility, while Ukraine vehemently denied any involvement.
Four men accused of causing the deaths of nearly 140 individuals, including a Moldovan citizen, have been remanded in pretrial custody until May 22.
The Kremlin declined to comment on Monday regarding allegations of torture against the individuals, following their court appearance displaying evident signs of physical abuse.
Videos and images from the courtroom depict the four men with evident signs of injury, such as bruises, swollen faces, and bandages. One of them, barely conscious, was brought in on a wheelchair, according to Politico, while another had a bandage covering his ear.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, declined to comment on reports alleging that the men had been subjected to torture.
Authorities apprehended the four suspects on Saturday, along with seven other individuals connected to the attack. According to the Russian press, all the men are citizens of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism alongside Russia.
The Russian state news agency TASS released a video on Monday depicting Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda writing a message in the condolence book at the Russian Embassy in Dushanbe.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
