Russia Questions The European Council's Minimal Response To Terrorist Attacks In Moscow

The photo archive - Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova at a press conference in Moscow, Thursday (6/7/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Russian Foreign Ministry)

JAKARTA - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned the lack of reaction from the leadership of the European Council to a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow on March 22.

Zakharova also questioned the impartiality of the legal mechanisms and experts of the institution.

Russia recorded a lack of reaction from the leadership of the European Council to the March 22 terrorist attack at the Crocodile City Hall near Moscow that killed 143 people, Zakharova told Sputnik on Friday.

Zakharova said the lack of fundamental reactions to the barbaric attacks on civilians raised reasonable questions about the European Council's leadership ability to contribute to ensuring international stability, fighting terrorism, extremism and other challenges today,

He also questioned the leadership's ability of the European Council to protect human rights, including the European Council's legal mechanisms and special experts at the time of the tragedy at the Crocus City Hall concert venue shocked the whole world.

The leaders of international countries and organizations, representatives of the diplomatic corps, citizens of many countries strongly condemn this horrific terrorist act, express condolences and support to the Russian people. In the midst of solidarity shown by the international community, we note the cynical indifference of the leaders of the European Council, "said Zakharova.

Russia has officially withdrawn from the European Council since March 15, 2022. Moscow has stated that it will implement the European Human Rights Court's decision if it does not conflict with the Russian Constitution.

The shooting took place at the Crocus City Hall concert venue, Krasnogorsk City, outside Moscow, followed by a massive fire. A Sputnik correspondent who witnessed the attack reported that a number of camouflaged gunmen entered the music room by shooting people from close range, and throwing incendiary bombs.

The Russian Investigative Committee said at least 143 people were killed and 360 others injured as a result of the attack. The four main suspects in that case are all Tajikistan citizens who have been detained and charged with terrorism.