Editorial | World must beware the fallout from terror attack in Moscow
- Heinous crime that at least 139 people dead should not be allowed to detract from efforts to find peace – or at least a truce – between Russia and Ukraine
Terrorist acts that target innocent civilians spark global shock and horror, whatever people’s differences. One that still reverberates around the world days later is the shooting massacre in suburban Moscow on the most vulnerable of targets – an unsuspecting concert crowd. The music venue also caught fire and was gutted.
The death toll has risen towards 140, with 180 injured to varying degrees. Such a horrible attack deserves the condemnation heaped on it by world leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a national day of mourning for the victims of a “barbaric” act and vowed retribution for the perpetrators, organisers and financiers.
He said the four gunmen were radical Islamists and maintained they were fleeing towards Ukrainian enemy territory when caught. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly denied any connection.
President Xi Jinping was among the first to send condolences for the bereaved and sympathy for the injured, as he condemned terrorism in any form. The UN Security Council called the attack heinous, cowardly and reprehensible.
The four gunmen appeared in court where two admitted guilt. Seven others have also been arrested.