In a recent development regarding the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, three additional suspects were arraigned in a Moscow court on Monday. These suspects are believed to have aided the four men responsible for the attack by providing transportation. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 137 people.

The four initial suspects, who were arrested over the weekend, appeared in court on Sunday displaying signs of severe abuse and torture. Videos and photographs that emerged after their arrest suggested brutal treatment inflicted by Russian authorities. Disturbing footage circulated in pro-Kremlin Telegram channels, revealing the suspects being subjected to torture, including the forced chewing of a piece of an ear that had been severed, as well as electric shocks using wires attached to genitals. These incidents allegedly took place during their arrests in the western Bryansk region.

The four suspects were identified as migrant workers from Tajikistan, a country that shares a border with Afghanistan, where ISIS-K, the branch of the Islamic State responsible for the attack, is known to be active. Despite claims made by the Islamic State, President Vladimir Putin has been in contact with the leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Syria, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan. This suggests an acknowledgment by Putin of the Islamic State's involvement, even as he and Kremlin-controlled media have pointed fingers at Ukraine.

Putin stated that the four suspects were apprehended while attempting to escape to Ukraine. However, Russian authorities have provided no evidence linking Ukraine to the attack, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vehemently denied any involvement, accusing Putin of attempting to shift blame for his own security failures.

The release of video and photo evidence portraying the torture inflicted upon the suspects has intensified demands for revenge. Several senior Russian officials, including former president Dmitry Medvedev, have called for the reinstatement of the death penalty. These calls have raised concerns among opposition figures that the Kremlin and security services may exploit the attack to escalate repression measures.

The issue of restoring capital punishment, which has been banned in Russia since 1996, has surfaced multiple times since the conflict in Ukraine commenced. Vladimir Vasilyev, the leader of the governing United Russia party's faction in the State Duma, has indicated that the proposal to restore the death penalty will be considered. However, opinions have also been voiced that the death penalty alone may be too lenient, with some advocating for lifelong hard labor and strict confinement.

Such incidents of torture by Russian security services are typically denied, and leaked evidence leads to public scandals and internal investigations. However, on Sunday, the four gunmen accused in the Crocus City Hall attack were photographed in court displaying severe injuries. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, declined to comment on the photos, and regarding the death penalty, he stated that the Kremlin is not currently participating in the discussion.

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon distanced himself and his nation from the suspects, emphasizing that terrorists have no nationality, homeland, or religion. Both Russia and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate closely in countering terrorism.

The aftermath of the Crocus City Hall attack has reignited discussions regarding the threat of ISIS and the involvement of Ukraine. While Putin has insinuated Ukrainian involvement, opposition lawmaker Boris Vishnevsky has highlighted the constitutional hurdles in restoring the death penalty without amending the constitution. Nonetheless, the possibility remains as political will often precedes legal adjustments in Russia.

The investigation into the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue continues, with further details and developments expected to emerge in the coming days.