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Tour Down Under Men Standings 2024

Tour Down Under 2023: Route, stages, and startlist guide

Taking a look at all the stages for both the men's and women's Australian race

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Key Information

Where: Adelaide, South Australia

When: 14 January (Schwalbe Classic men's and women's)

Women's TDU , 15-17 January Men's TDU , 17-22 January

Rank: UCI WorldTour (men's and women's)

Distance: 672 kilometres (men's) 293 kilometres (women's)

Returning to the WorldTour after a two-year absence, the Tour Down Under lifts the curtain on the WorldTour season once more. Multiple big name riders in both the men’s and women’s peloton will be heading to Australia for the stage-race including the recently crowned Australian national road champion Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers) and Grace Brown (FDJ Suez). 

Both the men’s and women’s action will begin with the Schwalbe Classic, an evening criterium on Saturday 14 January. However the criterium will have no say in the overall general classification battle. 

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The men’s race will get underway on Tuesday 17 January with a 5.5 kilometre prologue, whereas the women’s race will begin the day after the criterium on Sunday 15 January with a flat 110.4 kilometre stage between Glenelg and Aldinga. 

Men's Tour Down Under: Stages, 17-22 January

Luke Plapp will be flying the flag for Australia at this years race

The route for the 2023 men's Tour Down Under has something for everyone. There will be plenty of action in the depths of the Adelaide hills as well as other fast and furious sprint stages which should make for an excellent opener to the WorldTour season. Bringing the race back without its famous Willunga Hill climb was always going to be a brave decision, although race director Stuart O'Grady explained when presenting the 2023 route that he believes it was important to bring some "fresh faces" into the Australian stage race. 

"I think it's important to bring some new, fresh places into the Tour Down Under,” O'Grady said. "I was brought in to bring in some new innovations, some new exciting parcours and also didn't want just the same old kind of stages where everybody knows exactly what's going to happen. The new final stage brings in a lot of excitement. It's a short stage, it's aggressive, it's more central to Adelaide, so I'm guessing more and more people will get there.”

Prologue: Adelaide - Adelaide, 5.5 km

The evening prologue on Tuesday 17 January follows a 5.5 kilometre course through the Adelaide Parks and past the Adelaide Oval cricket ground in what promises to be a fast and furious affair. Unusually, the riders will have to use their road race bikes due to logistical issues with bringing all of their equipment over to Australia for the race. It's also the first time a prologue has been incorporated into the race, with race organisers clearly hoping that Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma), home favourite and time trial expert, can pull off the win and the early race lead.

Stage One: Tanunda - Tanunda, 149.9 km, Hilly

The first road stage of the 2023 men's race covers a 149.9 kilometre circuit around the city of Tanunda and and the Barossa wine area. It also features four smaller circuits which involve the Menglers Hill climb, making for a total of 2,050 metres of elevation gain. Menglers Hill isn't so challenging that the best sprinters in the world won't get over it, meaning that the likes of Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Dstny) could still be in contention towards the stage finale. 

Otherwise, a rider of the likes of Plapp could look to use the final climb with just 10 kilometres to go as a launch pad for a solo move to the finish. 

Stage Two: Brighton - Victor Harbour, 154.8 km, Hilly

The longest stage of this year's edition, stage two from Brighton to Victor Harbour is all about the coast. Riders will get to enjoy the spectacular coastline for the first portion of the route before things ramp up in the stage climax. 

The final 60 kilometres involve two challenging, categorised ascents although the flat run in could also mean a day for the sprinters once more. In 2020, Giacomo Nizzolo (Israel-Premier Tech) grabbed the victory. Ewan will be another name to watch or a rider like EF Education-EasyPost's Alberto Bettiol. The Italian can more than hold his own on short, punchy climbs and packs a devilish fast finish.

Stage Three: Norwood - Campbell Town, 116.8 km, Hilly

Stage three to Campbelltown is short but will pack a mean punch with three of Adelaide's toughest hills roped into the equation. Norton Summit, Checkers Hill and Corkscrew Road are all on the menu, providing plenty of staging posts for the high profile overall contenders to make their moves. Corkscrew Road features challenging pitches of 6.8% average gradient, with one section ramping up to more than 9%. Perhaps homegrown hero and Giro d'Italia winner Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) will look to test his early season form on the hills of Adelaide.  

Stage Four: Port Willunga - Willunga Township, 133.2 km, Flat

Normally on a stage in and around Willunga, you would expect the infamous Willunga Hill to feature somewhere in the route but this year's race misses out the legendary climb. Stage four gets underway overlooking the beach and ends in Willunga Township after 133 kilometres of mainly rolling, undulating roads. Stage four is definitely a day for the sprinters once more before the race reaches its finale on Mount Lofty the day after. 

Stage Five: Unley - Mount Lofty, 122.5 km, Hilly

Stage five to Mount Lofty will make for a spectacular finish to the 2023 edition of the race. The stage is just 112.5 kilometres long but features five ascents of Mount Lofty, which is almost certainly going to provide drama on the races final day in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. All four ascents of the devilish climb will make for more than 3,000 metres of climbing. The whole climb is 2.6 kilometres long with an average gradient of 7%. At two and then one kilometre to go there are two much more severe, steeper sections which is where the GC favourites will be expected to attack. Many talented climbers feature on the expected start list which should make for a thrilling and aggressive stage five to end the race. 

WOMEN'S TOUR DOWN UNDER: STAGES, 15-17 JANUARY

FDJ-Suez's Grace Brown will be a strong favourite for the women's race

Stage One: Glenelg - Aldinga, 110.4 km, Flat

The opening day of the women's race is a relatively flat affair along the South Australian coastline. 

With just one categorised climb on the menu, the category four Chaffey's climb, it promises to be a fast run into the finish which could provide an opportunity for the likes of Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) to start as they mean to go on, with an opening day stage victory. 

Stage Two: Birdwood to Uraidla, 90 km, Hilly 

Stage two will be a punchy affair through the Adelaide hills, a reverse of the route taken in stage five of the men's race. The women will ascend the back of the Mount Lofty climb which is certainly set to cause some major splits in the bunch. 

If after day one Brown has taken an early lead in the GC, she will have to be well on her guard to prevent climbing experts like Brodie Chapman (Trek-Segafredo) from wrestling the overall lead from her grasp. 

Stage Three: Adelaide - Campbelltown, 93.2 km, Hilly

The grand finale for this year's women's Tour Down Under will be one for the climbers with more than 1,500 metres of elevation on offer. 

Corkscrew Road - one of the toughest climbs in the Adelaide hills - will play a starring role on the races final day and will more than likely cause some major splits. 

With sections of up to 24.4% gradients, the Corkscrew will provide a menacing test and potentially the perfect setting for the overall leader to launch an attack, and claim a final day stage win to cement their advantage. 

MEN'S START LIST

 Jayco-AIUla

Michael Matthews  (AUS) Simon Yates (GBR) Luke Durbridge (AUS) Lucas Hamilton (AUS) Michael Hepburn (AUS) Chris Harper (AUS) Campbell Stewart (NZA)

AG2R-Citroën

Ben O'Connor (AUS) Alex Baudin (FRA) Dorian Godon (FRA) Paul Lapeira (FRA) Nans Peters (FRA) Michael Schar (SWI) Damian Touze (FRA)

Arkéa-Samsic

Ewen Costiou (FRA) Mathis Le Berre (FRA) Elie Gesbert (FRA) Hugo Hofstetter (FRA) Kevin Ledanois (FRA) Łukasz Owsian (POL) Alessandro Verre (ITA

Astana Qazaqstan

Luis Leon Sanchez (SPA) Manuele Boaro (ITA) Leonardo Basso (ITA) Fabio Felline (ITA) Dmitriy Gruzdev (KAZ) Martin Laas (EST) Gianni Moscon (ITA)

Bahrain-Victorious

Pello Bilbao (SPA) Nikias Arndt (GER) Kamil Gradek (POL) Hermann Pernsteiner (AU) Cameron Scott (AUS) Jasha Sutterlin (GER)

Trek-Segafredo

Tony Gallopin (FRA) Filippo Baroncini (ITA) Marc Brustenga (SPA) Asbjorn Hellemose (DEN) Emils Liepins (LAT) Natnael Tesfazion (ERI) Antonio Tiberi (ITA)

Bryan Coquard (FRA) Francois Bidard (FRA) Davide Cimolai (ITA) Wesley Kreder (NED) Victor Lafay (FRA) Alexis Renard (FRA) Harrison Wood (FRA)

Soudal Quick-Step

Mattia Cattaneo (ITA) Josef Cerny (CZA) Dries Devenyns (BEL) James Knox (GBR) Mauro Schmid (SWI) Jannik Steimle (GER) Martin Svrcek (CZA)

Alpecin-Deceuninck

Kaden Groves (AUS) Jenson Plowright (AUS) Robert Stannard (AUS) Samuel Gayze (NZA) Senne Leysen (BEL) Oscar Riesebeek (NED) Michael Gogl (AUS)

Groupama-FDJ

Michael Storer (AUS) Miles Scotson (AUS) Lorenzo Germani (ITA) Reuben Thompson (NZA) Laurence Pithie (NZA) Paul Penhoet (FRA) Rudy Molard (FRA)

Ineos Grenadiers

Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ethan Hayter (GBR) Kim Heiduk (GER) Luke Plapp (AUS) Magnus Sheffield (USA) Ben Swift (GBR)

Intermarche-Circus-Wanty

Sven Erik Bystøom (NOR) Julius Johansen (DEN) Hugo Page (FRA) Gerben Thijssen (BEL) Taco van der Hoorn (NED) Boy Van Poppel (NED) Dion Smith (NZA)

Jumbo-Visma

Rohan Dennis (AUS) Robert Gesink (NED) Lennard Hofstede (NED) Timo Roosen (NED) Milan Vader (NED) Timo van Dijke (NED) Jos van Emden (NED)

Gorka Izaguirre (SPA) Imanol Erviti (SPA) Johan Jacobs (SWI) Oscar Rodriguez (SPA) Ivan Romeo (SPA) Sergio Samitier (SPA) Luis Guillermo Mas (SPA)

Chris Hamilton (AUS) Matt Dinham (AUS) Patrick Bevin (NZA) Romain Combaud (FRA) Tim Naberman (NED) Marius Mayrhofer (GER) Martijn Tusveld (NED)

UAE Team Emirates

Jay Vine (AUS) George Bennett (NZA) Marc Hirschi (SWI) Sjoerd Bax (NED) Alessandro Covi (ITA) Michael Vink (NZA) Finn Fisher-Black (NZA)

EF Education-EasyPost Alberto Bettiol (ITA) Mikkel Honoré (DEN) Jens Keukeleire (BEL) Sean Quinn (USA) Jonas Rutsch (GER) Thomas Scully (NZA) Lukasz Wisniowski (POL)

Bora-Hansgrohe

Jai Hindley (AUS) Marco Haller (AUS) Shane Archbold (NZA) Luis-Joe Luhrs (GER) Jordi Meeus (BEL) Max Schachmann (GER) Giovanni Aleotti (ITA)

Israel Premier-Tech

Chris Froome (GBR) Daryl Impey (RZA) Simon Clarke (AUS) Corbin Strong (NZA) Taj Jones (AUS) Sebastian Berwick (AUS) Derek Gee (CAN)

Australian National Team

Caleb Ewan (AUS) Jarrad Drizners (AUS) Graeme Frislie (AUS) Connor Leahy (AUS) Zac Marriage (AUS) James Moriarty (AUS) Liam Walsh (AUS)

WOMEN'S START LIST

Jayco- AIUla Ruby Roseman-Gannon (AUS) Alex Manly (AUS) Amber Pate (AUS) Georgia Baker (AUS) Georgia Howe (AUS) Jessica Allen (AUS)

Amanda Spratt (AUS) Lauretta Hanson (AUS) Brodie Chapman (AUS) Tayler Wiles (USA) Lisa Klein (GER) Ilaria Sanguineti (ITA)

Grace Brown (AUS) Loes Adegeest (NED) Clara Copponi (FRA) Eugenie Duval (FRA) Victorie Guilman (FRA) Gladys Verhulst (FRA)

Human Powered Health

Lily Williams (USA) Daria Pikulik (POL) Antri Christoforou (GRE) Kaia Schmid (USA) Henrietta Christie (NZA) Nina Buijsman (NED)

Israel Premier Tech Roland

Caroline Baur (SWI) Silvia Magri (ITA) Mia Griffin (IRE) Thi That N'Guyen (VIE) Claire Steels (GBR) Elena Pirrone (ITA)

EF Education-Tibco-SVB

Lauren Stephens (USA) Emma Langley (USA) Krista Doebel-Hickok (USA) Abigail Smith (GBR) Georgia Williams (NZA)

COOP-Hitec Products

Mari Mohr (NOR) Josie Nelson (GBR) Tiril Jorgenson (NOR) Sylvia Swinkels (NED) Kerry Jonker (RZA) Georgia Danford (NZA)

ZAAF Cycling

Danielle De Francesco (AUS) Elizabeth Stannard (AUS) Nikola Noskova (CZA) Michaela Drummond (NZA) Debora Silvestri (ITA) Maggie Coles-Lyster (CAN)

ARA Skip Capital

Sophie Edwards (AUS) Chloe Moran (AUS) Isabelle Carnes (AUS) Alex Martin-Wallace (AUS) Georgia Whitehouse (AUS) Rachael Wales (AUS)

Emily Watts (AUS) Gina Ricardo (AUS) Jessica Pratt (AUS) Keely Bennett (AUS) Lillee Pollock (AUS) Mia Hayden (AUS)

Nicole Frain (AUS) Rachel Neylan (AUS) Josie Talbot (AUS) Anya Louw (AUS) Haylee Fuller (AUS) Alli Anderson (AUS)

New Zealand National Team

Ally Wollaston (NZA) Bryony Botha (NZA) Ella Wyllie (NZA) Prudence Fowler (NZA) Rylee McMullen (NZA) Annamarie Lipp (NZA)

St Michel - Mavic

Roxane Fournier (FRA) Coralie Demay (FRA) Simone Boilard (CAN) Dilyxine Miermont (FRA) Sandrine Bideau (FRA) Camille Fahy (FRA)

HOW TO WATCH

We've produced a full guide detailing how to watch all of the action from the first WorldTour races of the season. Depending on where you are in the world, you may want to consider downloading an ExpressVPN to ensure you can gain access to your home broadcaster. 

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Tom joined Cycling Weekly in early 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine. 

He has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the recent Glasgow World Championships. He has also covered races elsewhere across the world and interviewed some of the sport's top riders. 

When not writing news scoops from the WorldTour, or covering stories from elsewhere in the domestic professional scene, he reports on goings on at bike shops up and down the UK, where he is based when not out on the road at races. He has also appeared on the Radio Cycling podcast. 

Visma-Lease a Bike rider broke his collarbone, sternum and several ribs in a high speed crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen

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By Tom Thewlis Published 26 January 24

Frenchman will focus on the Classics and then the Giro d'Italia in his contract year at Quick-Step

By Adam Becket Published 23 January 24

Stevie Williams’ victory at the Tour Down Under was just the latest breakthrough ride by a Briton, although there might not be a home UCI stage race to perform at soon

Scot finishes fourth, Mexican second, as breakthrough weeks end in dismay

By Adam Becket Published 21 January 24

The 27-year-old from Aberystwyth conquered Mount Lofty on Sunday to take overall victory in Australia, his first WorldTour GC win

The 27-year-old leads the Australian race on count-back, and is hoping to triumph overall on Sunday

By Adam Becket Published 20 January 24

The 21-year-old Scot has shown his potential before, but a first win, at WorldTour level too, proved it

Two climbing stages follow four days of largely flat racing in South Australia, so the weekend will decide the race

By Adam Becket Published 19 January 24

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• Vuelta Femenina

2024 Tour Down Under start lists confirmed

Filippo Ganna, Simon Yates, Julian Alaphilippe, Amanda Spratt, Grace Brown and Sarah Gigante feature in the first WorldTour races of the 2024 season

Daniel Benson

Editor in chief.

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© Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images

The men's and women's Santos Tour Down Under kickstarts the 2024 WorldTour

The organisers of the men's and women's Santos Tour Down Under have released two star-studded start lists ahead of this month's opening WorldTour races.

The women's race runs from January 12 to 14 and concludes with a third and final stage on Willunga Hill. The finish marks the first time that the iconic climb has officially featured in the Women's Tour Down Under.

Defending champion Grace Brown ( FDJ-Suez ) returns to defend her title and will start as the main favourite in the women's race. The Australian will be ably supported by Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and French climber, Évita Muzic .

Amanda Spratt ( Lidl-Trek ), who won the race three times in a row between 2017 and 2019 leads a powerful-looking squad that includes Brodie Chapman, Lauretta Hanson, and Elynor Bäckstedt.

Another former winner, Ruth Edwards (Human Powered Health) returns to the race too. Edwards retired from the WorldTour at the end of the 2021 season and devoted herself to gravel racing over the last few years but at 30 she returns to the fray with a team that includes fellow new signing Krista Doebel-Hickok, and former Trek teammate Audrey Cordon-Ragot. Doebel-Hickok finished a creditable fifth in 2023.

Ruby Roseman-Gannon, who was fourth in 2023 also heads to the race as part of a strong Liv AlUla Jayco squad, and Canyon-SRAM include Chloe Dygert and Adelaide native Tiffany Cromwell.

Grace Brown and Amanda Spratt confirmed for Tour Down Under battle

Stuart o’grady expecting an ‘epic finale’ at tour down under.

Another major favourite will be Sarah Gigante. The Australian ended her contract with Movistar a year early and signed for AG Insurance-Soudal Team. The 23-year-old is set to race the Australian nationals before setting her focus on the Tour Down Under.

Click here for the full start list for the women's Tour Down Under .

In the men's event, defending champion Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) has decided to skip the race and concentrate on a European start to his season .

The start list is still packed with talent with Diego Ulissi, Isaac del Torro, and Finn Fisher-Black part of a robust UAE team.

Ineos Grenadiers have signed up Filippo Ganna and Joshua Tarling to lead their squad, while Jayco AlUla arrive with possibly the strongest team. The Australian outfit start with Caleb Ewan for the sprints and Simon Yates and Luke Plapp for the GC.

Bora-Hansgrohe will focus on the sprint stages with their new signing Sam Welsford, and Julian Alaphilippe will raise hopes for Soudal Quick-Step.

Click here for the full start list for the men's Tour Down Under .

GCN will have complete race coverage from the men's and women's Tour Down Under this year, with race reports, tech, interviews and on-the-ground news from both races.

Amanda Spratt

• Team Lidl-Trek
• Nationality Australia
• UCI Wins 21
• Height 1.61m

Ruth Edwards

• Team Human Powered Health
• Nationality United States of America
• UCI Wins 17

Sarah Gigante

• Team AG Insurance-Soudal Team
• Height 1.65m

Julian Alaphilippe

• Team Soudal Quick-Step
• Nationality France
• UCI Wins 46
• Height 1.77m

Filippo Ganna

• Team INEOS Grenadiers
• Nationality Italy
• UCI Wins 32
• Height 1.93m

Simon Yates

• Team Team Jayco-AlUla
• Nationality United Kingdom
• UCI Wins 37
• Height 1.72m

Tour Down Under

• Dates 12 Jan - 14 Jan
• Race Length 291 kms
• Race Category Elite Women

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Tour Down Under 2023

Top 5 Tour Down Under 2023

1. Jay Vine 2. Simon Yates + 0.11 3. Pello Bilbao + 0.27 4. Magnus Sheffield + 0.57 5. Mauro Schmid + 0.58

Read about the route and the start list of the 2023 Tour Down Under.

Another interesting read: records & winners Tour Down Under.

Please click links in below schema for race results/reports and in-depth information on the individual stages.

Tour Down Under 2023 stages:

Tour down under 2023: routes, profiles, more.

Click on the images to zoom

Tour Down Under 2023: Yates wins on Mount Lofty, Vine wraps up GC win

Tour Down Under 2023: Coquard wins in Willunga, Vine still leader

Tour Down Under 2023: Bilbao wins after Corkscrew attack, Vine new leader

Tour Down Under 2023: Rohan Dennis wins in Victor Harbor to take race lead

Tour Down Under 2023: Bauhaus sprints to triumph, Bettiol still leader

• Season Calendar 2023
• Santos Tour Down Under
• General Classification

Search Rider

Search team, search race, santos tour down under 2023  |  general classification    .

24th edition General Classification 17 January 2023 - 22 January 2023

• Race Stages
• Tour Down Under History
• Previous year

• Women's
• Teams and Riders

Jerseys and Classifications

Special jerseys in cycling are used to indicate the leaders of each race classification during the Santos Tour Down Under. Find out about each jersey below.

SANTOS LEADER'S JERSEY

The Santos Ochre Jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest cumulative time at the end of each stage - the leader of the 'general classification - and the overall winner at the end of the race.

Ochre is the colour of the iconic South Australian outback, and is unique among the general classification jerseys in the UCI WorldTour.

Most recent winner: Stephen Williams (2024, Israel Premier Tech) Most Santos Ochre Winner's jerseys:  4 - Simon Gerrans (2006 with AG2R La Mondiale, 2012, 2014, 2016 with Orica-SCOTT/GreenEDGE)

Most recent winner:  Sarah Gigante (2024, AG INSURANCE - SOUDAL) Most Santos Ochre Winner's jerseys:  3 - Amanda Spratt (2017, 2018, 2019 with Mitchelton-Scott)

ZIPTRAK® SPRINT JERSEY

This jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider with the most number of points in the sprint classification.

Sprint points are awarded at pre-defined checkpoints on stages, including the finish. Sprint checkpoints located along the route are referred to as intermediate sprints, and carry fewer points than those associated with the finish. The first three riders receive points towards the classification.

Most recent winner: Sam Welsford (2024, BORA - Hansgrohe) Most Ziptrak® Sprint jerseys:  3 - Robbie McEwen (2002, 2004-5 with Davitamon-Lotto)

Most recent winner: Sofia Bertizzolo (2024, UAE TEAM ADQ)

efex KING/QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN JERSEY

The efex King/Queen of the Mountain jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider who leads the cumulative Mountains Classification.

efex King/Queen of the Mountains points are awarded at pre-determined summits along each stage. This jersey traditionally has a polka dot pattern, which started in the Tour de France in 1975 and has been adopted by other races around the world. The efex King/Queen of the Mountain jersey has green polka dots.

Most recent winner: Luke Burns (2024, ARA Australian Cycling Team) Most efex King of the Mountains jerseys:  3 - Cadel Evans (2002 with Mapei-QuickStep, 2003 with Telekom, 2006 with Davitamon Lotto)

Most recent winner: Katia Ragusa (2024, Human Powered Health) Most efex Queen of the Mountains jerseys: 2 - Amanda Spratt (2023, Trek Segafredo, 2018, Mitchelton-SCOTT)

ZWIFT YOUNG RIDER'S JERSEY

The Zwift Young Rider's jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider under 23 years of age with the best cumulative time in the race. The Youth Classification leader and winner traditionally wears a white-coloured jersey in world cycling, and the Santos Tour Down Under also maintains this tradition.

Most recent winner: Isaac Del Toro (2024, UAE Team Emirates) Most Zwift Young Rider jerseys:  2 - Gene Bates (2001, 2003 with UniSA), Jose Joaquin Rojas (2008-09 with Caisse d'Epargne), Rohan Dennis (2012 with UniSA-Australia, 2015 with BMC)

Most recent winner: Nienke Vinke (2024, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL)

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• International

March 24 Moscow concert hall attack

By Heather Chen , Andrew Raine , Catherine Nicholls, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury and Kathleen Magramo , CNN

Our live coverage of the Moscow concert hall attack has moved here.

Suspects in deadly concert hall attack facing life imprisonment. Here's what we know

From CNN staff

All four suspects in the Crocus City concert hall attack case have been remanded into pre-trial detention until May 22.  

They are charged with committing a terrorist act, according to the courts of general jurisdiction of the city of Moscow, which under the Russian Criminal Code is punishable by up to life imprisonment.

Three of the defendants pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS.

All four are from Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, and had been in Russia on either temporary or expired visas.

Friday's attack left at least 137 people dead. The attack is Russia's deadliest in two decades .

Catch up on the latest developments:

• Day of mourning: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Sunday a day of national mourning for the 137 victims in Friday's attack .
• Authorities work to identify victims: Procedures to identify those killed in the attack have begun, the city’s Department of Health said, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. The Russian Investigative Committee said 62 bodies had been identified so far, adding that "for the remaining victims, genetic examinations are being carried out to establish their identities."
• Fighting terrorism in Syria and Turkey: Putin held separate calls with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad, on Saturday and promised closer cooperation in fighting terrorism following the attack, according to a Kremlin readout.
• Russian Embassy says no warnings from US: The Russian Embassy in Washington says it did not receive any warnings about a potential attack in Moscow from the US. Last week, Putin dismissed warnings by the US embassy in Russia that there could be attacks on large groups.
• Putin links attack to Ukraine: Putin said the main suspects arrested planned to flee into Ukraine. Ukraine has denied any connection. The UK warned that Russia was creating a "smokescreen of propaganda."
• Terror alert: France has lifted its terror alert to its highest level following the deadly attack in Moscow, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said Sunday.

Here's what we know about the four suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack

From CNN’s Masha Angelova and Josh Pennington

Each of the four defendants charged with committing a terrorist act in the Crocus City concert hall attack was brought to court individually in Moscow on Sunday.

They are accused of committing a crime under part 3, provision “b” of article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (terrorist act), which the Russian Criminal Code states is punishable with up to life imprisonment.

Three pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS .

Here's what we know about the accused:

• Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev: The 32-year-old was the first defendant brought to court. Mirzoyev, from Tajikistan, had a temporary registration for three months in the southern Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia, but it expired, according to RIA Novosti.
• Saidakrami Rachabalizoda: He appeared as the second defendant, and told the the court that he had Russian registration documents but couldn't remember where they were. He communicated through an interpreter, according to state media RIA Novosti. Rachabalizoda was reportedly born in 1994.
• Shamsidin Fariduni: He was born in 1998 in Tajikistan and is a citizen of the Central Asian country. Fariduni was officially employed at a factory in the Russian city of Podolsk and was registered in the city of Krasnogorsk, according to state media RIA Novosti.
• Muhammadsober Faizov: The fourth defendant appeared nonresponsive in a wheelchair and was accompanied by a doctor to his court appearance, as seen in Moscow City Court’s video shared on Telegram. Faizov was temporarily unemployed, before which he worked in a barber shop in Ivanovo, a city northeast of Moscow, and is registered in that city, according to state media RIA Novosti. He was reportedly born in 2004.

This post has been updated with more information on the charges against the suspects.

Moscow court orders preventive detention for all four defendants in concert hall attack case

The Basmanny District Court of Moscow on Sunday granted the investigators’ motion for detention, as the chosen preventative measure, for all four defendants in the Crocus City Hall attack case.

All four men have been remanded into pre-trial detention until May 22, stated Moscow City Court via Telegram.  

They are all charged with committing a terrorist act, according to the courts of general jurisdiction of the city of Moscow, which under the Russian Criminal Code is punishable up to life imprisonment.

Each of the four defendants was brought to court individually on Sunday.

Three pled guilty to all charges, according to state media news agency TASS. 

The names of the four accused in the case are Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni and Mukhammadsobir Faizov, Moscow City Courts announced via Telegram.

All four are from Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, and have been in Russia on either temporary or expired visas.  

The court held closed hearings for each of the accused with no members of the public allowed, TASS reported, citing the court’s press service. 

2 defendants identified in Crocus City Hall attack

From CNN’s Masha Angelova, Michael Bodenhorst and Josh Pennington

The first defendant in the Crocus City concert hall attack case, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, has pleaded guilty on all counts, the press service of Moscow City Court told state media RIA Novosti.

He will be held in preventive custody at least through May 22. 

Mirzoyev is one of two defendants implicated in the attack who are facing possible life imprisonment, as reported by state media.

The suspects — Mirzoyev and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda — appeared in a Moscow court on Sunday on charges related to the attack.

Both individuals are accused of committing a terrorist act and could be sentenced to life imprisonment, according to state media outlet RIA Novosti. The prosecution has requested detention as a precautionary measure for both defendants.

Authorities have petitioned the court to conduct Mirzoyev's hearing behind closed doors to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings, state media news agency TASS reported. 

First suspect apprehended in the Crocus City Hall attack arrives in court

From CNN’s Masha Angelova

The first suspect apprehended after the attack on Crocus City Hall that killed at least 137 people has arrived in court at the Basmanny Court of Moscow. 

Crocus City Hall killings are deadliest since Beslan school siege — these are some other recent attacks in Russia

From CNN Staff

The attack on Moscow's popular Crocus City Hall that left at least 133 dead has become the deadliest attack in Russia since the Beslan school siege in 2004.

Some other recent attacks include:

• September 26, 2022 : Eleven children and four adults were killed when a gunman wearing Nazi symbols opened fire at a school in the western Russian city of Izhevsk. The shooter, who was reportedly wearing a black T-shirt with Nazi insignia and a helmet, died by suicide following the attack.
• April 3, 2017 : At least 11 people were killed in a blast on the St. Petersburg metro. The explosion tore through a train as it was traveling between two stations in Russia’s second-largest city.
• October 31, 2015 : A Russian passenger jet, Metrojet Flight 9268 crashed  on October 31 after departing from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh,  killing all 224 people  on board. US intelligence analysis suggested that ISIS or its affiliates  planted a bomb on the plane .
• December 30, 2013 : A massive explosion at a train station in the Russian city of Volgograd killed at least 16 people, including one police officer, the Investigative Committee of Russia said.
• January 25, 2011 : A suicide bomber attacked Domodedovo Airport , Moscow's busiest airport, killing 35 people and wounding about 100, authorities and state television said.
• March 29, 2010 : Two explosions rocked the subway stations in central  Moscow during rush hour, killing at least 38 people and wounding more than 60 others, spawning widespread public outrage. A website associated with Chechen separatists, who have long fought for independence from Russia, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Rescuers, robotic systems and canine teams are currently on site of Crocus City concert hall

From CNN’s Darya Tarasova and Eve Brennan

More than 300 “specialists” and 154 pieces of equipment are currently on site at the Crocus City concert hall in Krasnogorsk, Moscow region, where a deadly attack took place Friday , Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Telegram on Sunday.

The ministry said more than 400 cubic meters of structures had been dismantled by rescuers while specialized robotic systems, canine teams and psychologists from the ministry continue to work.

More than 1,600 calls have already been received on the department’s hotline, the ministry added.

The post was accompanied by a video showing dozens of emergency workers digging through the rubble of the partially burned-down concert hall.

Remember : At least 137 people died on Friday after attackers opened fire on civilians at the Crocus City concert hall, and set the building ablaze. The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, has claimed the attack and  released graphic footage  purporting to show the incident. 

Putin lit a candle in memory of victims of the concert hall attack

From CNN's Eve Brennan and Anna Chernova

Russian President Vladimir Putin lit a candle Sunday in memory of victims of the deadly attack at the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow region on Friday.

Putin also expressed deep condolences following the Moscow shooting, calling it a "barbaric terrorist act" in a video statement released Saturday.

More background: The deadly attack comes barely a week after Putin secured his fifth presidential term. The large-scale attack is damaging for a leader who portrays himself as someone able to guarantee order.

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Politics latest: Humza Yousaf to address media as fresh bid launched to get rid of first minister

Scotland's first minister is fighting to stay in his job after his decision to end the SNP's cooperation agreement with the Greens sparked moves out oust him. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 13:04, UK

• Scottish Labour to lay down motion of no confidence in government as fresh bid to get rid of Yousaf launched
• Yousaf expected to address the media this afternoon...on housing
• His political future in numbers - and how it may all come down to just one
• 'When they start caring about us, maybe we'll care back': Politics Hub special explores breakdown in trust between voters and politicians
• Serena Barker-Singh:  Stark and bleak view from Target Towns voters
• Latest  Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what the local elections will bring
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

With a general election looming, what counts as gains and losses for the main parties in next week's locals? 

Sky's election analyst Michael Thrasher tells us what to look out for:

Lord David Cameron has said he is "deeply concerned" as a British man is charged with conducting hostile state activity to benefit Russia. 

"While we must let the judicial process run its course, I am deeply concerned by allegations of British nationals carrying out criminal activity on UK soil to benefit the Russian state," the foreign secretary said. 

"We will use the full weight of the criminal justice system to hold anyone found guilty of crimes linked to foreign interference to account."

Dylan Earl, 20, is alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting businesses which were linked to Ukraine in order to benefit the Russian state.

Nick Price, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "Included in the alleged activity was involvement in the planning of an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024."

Four others have also been charged in connection with the investigation, the CPS said, after reporting restrictions were lifted on Friday.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "Hostile foreign acts will never be tolerated on UK soil. 

"Our National Security Act has allowed charges to be brought against an individual alleged to be carrying out harmful activity for the benefit of the Russian state. 

"If you threaten UK security, you will face justice."

Read more here:

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

Labour's shadow chancellor says it is "time for a fresh start in Scotland", reiterating calls for a fresh election from Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar.

Scottish Labour say they are putting forward a motion of no condolence in the government today. 

They have also said they will back a motion of no confidence next week in First Minister Humza Yousaf. 

"The chaos and division at the heart of the SNP is having a real impact on public services and the lives of communities across Scotland," Rachel Reeves says.

"And we now have two broken governments - the SNP in Scotland and the Conservatives in Westminster. 

"It is time for fresh elections in Scotland and across the UK."

The shadow chancellor was speaking during a visit to Tees Valley today, where she and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are discussing the cost of living.

Earlier, the Scottish Labour leader said it is a matter of "when, not if" the first minister resigns ( see post at 11.56am ).

"But this isn't just about him [Humza Yousaf]," Mr Sarwar said.

"We have no confidence in this SNP government. 

"That is why we need an election right now."

Scottish politics is in "utter chaos", a Greens source tells Sky News, as the first minister faces a no-confidence motion and Scottish Labour has said it will file a separate motion against the government. 

The Greens, who were ousted from a power-sharing agreement with the SNP yesterday, have said they will back the motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf. 

However, the Greens source said the party is undecided on the motion of no confidence in the government. 

The leader of Scottish Labour says it is a matter of "when, not if" the first minister resigns.  

Humza Yousaf is facing a motion of no confidence, put forward by the Conservatives and backed by the Greens, Labour and Lib Dems, next week.

However, Labour has said it will also table a motion of no confidence in the SNP government. 

In a video posted on X, Anas Sarwar said "this isn't just about him [Humza Yousaf]".

A short time ago, the Alba Party said it would not be backing Labour's motion (see previous post). 

However Alba's one MSP, Ash Regan, may prove to have the deciding vote in the motion of no confidence in Mr Yousaf.

Scotland's Alba Party says it won't back Labour's motion of no confidence in the Scottish government, warning them to "beware in their glee".

Earlier, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he would lay down the motion - which is separate to an earlier no-confidence motion in Humza Yousaf as first minister - later today ( see post at 10.12am ).

However, Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies says Alba's announcement leaves the Labour motion weakened before it has even started.

An Alba Party spokesperson said: "Anas Sarwar’s grandstanding is just an attempt to remain relevant. However, unionist parties should beware in their glee."

"As much as Humza Yousaf and the SNP find themselves in a tricky predicament, independence supporters will not turn back to the yoke of Tory and Labour mediocrity. 

"Alba Party are now ensuring that independence supporters have a party they can turn to.“ 

Alex Salmond's pro-independence Alba Party has one MSP in the Scottish parliament ( see post at 10.55am ).

Ash Regan, once a rival to Humza Yousaf for SNP leader, defected to the party last year.

While the party isn't backing the motion against the government as a whole, she may well have the deciding vote in the motion of no confidence against Mr Yousaf next week ( see post at 9.47am ).

Sky's  Connor Gillies says  that currently makes her "possibly the most powerful woman in Scotland".

With the local elections just over a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

People voting in local elections in England on 2 May will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023,  14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance today ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour say they are going to lay down a motion of no confidence in the Scottish government, which would trigger a separate vote ( see post at 10.12am ).

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Tour Down Under - Nine riders seeking early-season success from Ganna to Yates

Sprinters and GC riders who are expected to be in the mix in 2024

Corbin Strong

Diego ulissi, sam welsford.

The WorldTour buzz ramps up for the Tour Down Under , the first race of the 2024 series and the first chance for success for the 140 riders on the start list. Some will be out for stage wins, some out for the general classification, while others will just be happy to get some race days in their legs.

The Tour Down Under gala starts with the Down Under Classic, an hour-long criterium in Adelaide and invariably one for the sprinters. The stage race proper gets underway on Tuesday with the first of six tricky stages, culminating in two uphill finishes first on Willunga Hill and then the finale on Mount Lofty.

All 18 of the WorldTour teams will have riders on the line, as is required by the UCI, with the Israel-Premier Tech ProTeam and the Australian National Team filling out the start list.

Tour Down Under 2024 route Tour Down Under 2024 - Everything you need to know How to watch the 2024 Tour Down Under – live streaming Subscribe to Cyclingnews to gain unlimited access to the 2024 Tour Down Under

Some of the riders' form is known after the Australian Road Championships , while others have been busy training.

One thing is certain: there will be a new champion at the Tour Down Under, as 2023 winner Jay Vine won't be at the start, and all of the previous winners have retired.

Cyclingnews dug into the start list and came up with nine riders to watch - some obvious, some not so much - at the Tour Down Under from January 16 through 21.

Get unlimited access to all of our coverage of the Tour Down Under and Women’s Tour Down Under, including reporting from Australia, breaking news and analysis.  Find out more .

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Luke Plapp & Simon Yates

Luke Plapp and Simon Yates come as a package deal as the Jayco AlUla co-leaders of the home team for the Tour Down Under. Plapp has been on fire since joining from Ineos Grenadiers, sweeping both the Australian road race and time trial national titles. He won the road race last year before not overly featuring at the stage race, but his performances last week looked a different beast.

Behind him, he’ll also have a very strong team if he is the main GC option, but Yates was second last season and won the final stage to Mount Lofty, which he’ll be happy to see again on stage 6. Yates maintains a strong level throughout the season, so expect an in-form version of the Brit licking his lips at the prospect of a double ascent up Willingu Hill (3.4km at 7.4%) on stage 5. 

The pair could work well in tandem with Plapp launching early and utilising his time trial abilities to stay up the road while Yates marks the moves out behind, but they will also have Chris Harper at their disposal, who is a more than capable climbing domestique. Harper and Plapp attacked together 100km from the finish at the national road race championships to take a 1-2 for Jayco.

Different guises of Jayco AlUla have been the team to watch in many Tours Down Under gone by, and 2024 should be no different with a team built around three of their big stars.

Filippo Ganna

Normally the Tour Down Under wouldn't be a race for a former time trial world champion like Filippo Ganna - there isn't a time trial, the sprint stages are mostly geared toward pure sprinters and the climbers' stages are selective.

However, Ganna transformed from a time trialist and super-domestique into a vicious stage-hunter and one-day racer who can sprint against the pure sprinters and out-climb many of the pure climbers when he wishes.

From the Alto Colorado in the Vuelta a San Juan, where he was second to Miguel Angel Lopez, to the Vuelta a España, where we saw him going up against points classification winner Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Ganna showed in 2023 that he could do it all.

With the Olympic Games this year and a focus on both the track and road, it's uncertain how Ganna will be going in January. If he's firing, few riders can beat him, in particular on the more selective sprint stages like the opening stage in Tanuda with Mengiers Hill 13.5km before the line, stage 2 to Lobethal with a short kicker in the closing 5km.

Caleb Ewan found made a successful start in his return to home team Jayco AlUla, taking the win in the elite men’s Australian criterium championships. He’ll be looking to continue that form into the Tour Down Under and reignite his career after his least successful full season since turning professional that saw him manage only one pro win.

There were no stage wins for Ewan at the TDU in 2023 but he will be spurred on by the nine previous victories he’s achieved there. Ewan was racing with a group of very talented young riders for the Australian national team last year, but they were no WorldTour-level leadout which left him sprinting from deep in the pack.

He’ll be delivered in the sprints by a strong lineup including Kelland O’Brien, Michael Hepburn and Campbell Stewart. The GC side of Jayco AlUla’s team will feature Simon Yates, Chris Harper and newly crowned Australian ITT champion Luke Plapp, who could also help in the run into a sprint. Ewan should be on top form with top support in front of the home crowds.

Julian Alaphilippe

A decade ago, Julian Alaphilippe started his first WorldTour season with Soudal QuickStep at the Tour Down Under. Now he returns to the race for the first time since then with a highly decorated palmarès that has seen him twice become World Champion, take a Monument victory and light up the Tour de France.

Alaphilippe is the headline name on the starlist but has struggled with form in the past few seasons due to nasty crashes. He showed signs of his panache-personified best with a win at the Dauphiné, but is hoping to return to his brilliant best ahead of the Spring Classics .

He won’t race the Tour de France this year as they Belgian squad goes all in for Remco Evenepoel, but the Frenchman will instead make his Giro d’Italia debut to chase stages. He’s had great success in Italy before having won Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche. With these focuses, it’s unknown how close to his best he’ll be in Australia but expect exciting racing nonetheless.

New Zealander Corbin Strong is beginning to come into his own in the WorldTour after two seasons with Israel-Premier Tech. The 23-year-old won the opening stage of the Tour of Luxembourg and was second at the GP Québec and Circuit Franco-Belge - all races that featured an uphill sprint finish.

The former points race world champion's skills will shine on the hilly first stages.

Strong has the benefit of spending the winter in the vicinity and not having to make the long-haul flight like his European peers and also not having a huge target on his back. He's ready for a breakthrough season, and Tour Down Under might just be the start.

Phil Bauhaus

Phil Bauhaus held off a charging Ewan and claimed stage 1 in last year’s race with a powerful sprint to the line into Tanunda, which he’ll be happy to see again features on the route as the start and finish point of the opening stage. 

The German fast man is brilliant in chaotic finishes, so without the full-strength lead-out trains that you may see at Grand Tours, his ability to pick the correct lines and wheels is better highlighted. His win in Australia was his only victory for the season, but he is one of the most consistent sprinters in the peloton and took top fives at the Tour de France, UAE Tour and Tirreno Adiratico.

Bahrain Victorious said in their press release that he’s in even better form than last season, so expect to see his explosive power. The last man for Bauhaus will be one of their two Australians riding at home, Cameron Scott.

UAE Team Emirates' Diego Ulissi has a long history with the Tour Down Under, having raced in six editions starting in 2014. He's landed on the overall podium twice - coming second in 2020 and third overall in his debut.

The Italian has a blend of skill sets - less pure power than the pure sprinters, more punch uphill than most, and is a tactically astute racer.

Ulissi has but one stage win in the Tour Down Under for all of his attempts, on the stage to Stirling in 2014, and look for him to be at the head of affairs on any stage, especially the final one that passes through Stirling en route to Mount Lofty.

Another rider from Down Under ready for a breakout season is Bora-Hansgrohe newcomer Sam Welsford , who spent the past two years at DSM.

Welsford won a stage of the Renewi Tour, beating Jumbo-Visma's dominant sprinter Olav Kooij as well as two stages of the Vuelta a San Juan and the GP Criquielion and a second place to Jasper Philipsen at the Scheldeprijs last season.

Welsford was third in the Australian criterium championships so he's got speed in his legs and a team with experienced riders including fellow sprinter Danny van Poppel. Stage 4 to Port Elliot is undoubtedly circled in his roadbook.

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James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined Cyclingnews as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d’Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport’s top riders in Chloé Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports – rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.

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Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility

This live blog has ended. For the most recent updates, please click here .

What we know about the Moscow concert attack

• Men in camouflage broke into a Moscow concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people, Russia’s prosecutor general said.
• The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim, which was made on ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.
• Russia's Investigative Committee said that more than 60 people are dead after the attack at Crocus City Hall. Officials have said more than 100 others were injured.
• A fire also started inside Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue northwest of central Moscow. Firefighters have evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building and efforts are underway to rescue people from the roof, Russian emergency officials said.
• Russia officials said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act.
• A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the venue, which has a maximum capacity of more than 9,000 people.

Three children among those killed, state media reports

Chantal Da Silva

Three children were among the more than 60 people killed in yesterday's attack at Crocus City Hall, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officials have warned that the death toll connected to the deadly incident may increase as the investigation continues.

Xi sends condolences to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday after a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, saying China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

China firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability, Xi said, according to CCTV state television. 

Moscow bloodshed comes two decades after some of worst attacks in Russia

Phil Helsel

The shooting attacks in Moscow are the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks in the country since the 2000s.

In 2004, militants from Chechnya and elsewhere took hostages at a school in Beslan in southern Russia.

The militants demanded a withdrawal from Chechnya. Hostages were kept in a gymnasium, and 334 died — half of them children — when gunfire and explosions erupted when it was stormed. Hostages’ families were critical of the rescue operation. Russian prosecutors later cleared authorities .

Two years prior, in 2002, Chechen separatists attacked the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow and took more than 700 people hostage. Russian forces used gas, and 129 hostages died. The attackers were killed.

More recently, in 2017 a suicide bomber from Kyrgyzstan killed 15 people as well as himself in an attack on a St. Petersburg subway. In 2013, two bombers killed a combined 34 people in attacks on a railway station and a trolleybus in Volgograd.

The group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks Friday at the Crocus City Hall venue.

Putin wishes victims well, deputy prime minister says

President Vladimir Putin is thinking of those injured in today’s attack and thanked doctors, a Russian government official said according to state media.

State media TASS reported that “Putin wished all those injured in the emergency at Crocus City Hall to recover and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors, Golikova said,” referring to Tatiana Golikova deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision.

More than 60 dead, and death toll could grow, Russian agency says

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people have died in the attack, and warned the number may increase.

“The bodies of the dead are being examined. It has been previously established that more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase,” according to the Investigative Committee, which is a federal state agency.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the security agency FSB are continuing to investigate, the committee said in a statement, and weapons and ammunition have been found.

U.S. warned Russia about planned terrorist attack in Moscow, NSC says

Monica Alba

The United States shared information about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow with Russia’s government earlier this month, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and said it was monitoring reports that extremists might attack large gatherings in Moscow.

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“The U.S. Government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.

Putin recently dismissed ‘provocative’ warning about potential attacks

In remarks that aired three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “provocative statements” about potential terror attacks in Russia, and dismissed them.

“I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.

“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, destabilize our country,” he said before the state security agency FSB.

Putin in those remarks did not specify a country or warning. The U.S. embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds .

“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the U.S. embassy warned.

Guards at concert hall didn't have guns, state news says

The Associated Press

Guards at the concert hall didn’t have guns, and some could have been killed at the start of the attack, Russian media reported.

Some Russian news outlets suggested the assailants fled before special forces and riot police arrived.

Reports said police patrols were looking for several vehicles the attackers could have used to escape.

U.S. had been gathering intelligence that ISIS could attack Russia

Ken Dilanian

The U.S. had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, two U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News.

That information led to a March 7 warning issued by the U.S. embassy in Russia about possible extremist attacks, including at concerts, urging people to stay away from large gatherings, one of the officials said.

That official said the claim of responsibility today by ISIS appears to be genuine, though no final assessment had been made about who was responsible.

Some Moscow concertgoers filmed events as they unfolded Friday night, when gunmen opened fire inside a theater and people ran to take cover in fear for their lives.

Witness says gunfire was first thought to be construction noise

A witness to today’s armed attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall told a state news agency that they first mistook the gunfire for sounds of an installation being dismantled.

“First, we started hearing typical loud pops, but it was impossible to understand that they were gunshots. We thought that something was falling, as exhibitions were being dismantled at that moment, and someone seemed to be dropping something large,” Mikhail Semyonov told TASS .

“Then, the bangs were getting more and more frequent. Suddenly, there was a scream, and the bangs started to be heard as bursts. Then it became clear that it was shooting,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for attack but does not provide proof

The terror group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow.

The group, also known as ISIS, did not provide any proof of its claim, which came from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group’s members have carried out a number of terror attacks, including the 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.

Children among the victims, Russia's children commissioner says

Yuliya Talmazan

Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said children were among the victims of tonight's attack.

"Information about their condition is regularly updated," Lvova-Belova said on Telegram. "Any additional assistance will be provided immediately."

She later told Russia 24 TV channel that at least two children had been injured, including one boy with a gunshot wound.

Earlier, Russian officials released a preliminary casualty toll of at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

France, U.K., Germany condemn attack

Officials from France, the U.K. and Germany were among those who expressed their condolences to the victims of the attack at the Crocus concert hall.

"The images of the terrible attack on innocent people in Crocus City Hall near #Moscow are horrific," Germany's Foreign Office said on X . "The background must be investigated quickly. Our deepest condolences with the families of the victims."

"We condemn the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow," the U.K.'s embassy in Russia said . "This is a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry called for "full light" to be shed on "these heinous acts."

Public events across Russia called off after attack

Several regional leaders across Russia, including in the annexed Kherson region of Ukraine, have canceled public events this weekend over security considerations after the deadly concert attack in Moscow.

Shortly after the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend. State news agency TASS also quoted Russia's cultural ministry as saying that mass and entertainment events in federal cultural institutions have been canceled in the coming days.

Zelenskyy adviser speaks out about attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser denied that Ukraine was involved in the deadly Crocus concert hall attack.

“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia),” Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

No evidence has emerged to suggest Ukraine may have been involved, but Ukrainian officials may be trying to pre-empt accusations, as some Kremlin hawks have already started pointing at Kyiv. 

Asked whether the shooting was at all tied to the war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting, but again, this just broke. We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour have any connection to Ukraine.”

Videos posted to social media appear to show chaos inside Moscow's Crocus City Hall during and after a terrorist attack.

Some videos include what sound like gunshots and show men with rifles, as concertgoers frantically try to exit the venue.

State Department issues warning to Americans in Moscow

Jason Abbruzzese

The State Department said that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall and that U.S. citizens should avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

"The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for U.S. embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates in Russia," the State Department said in a message posted to its website .

'What a nightmare in Crocus,' Widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny condolences about concert attack

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison last month, expressed her condolences about the attack Friday.

"What a nightmare in Crocus," Navalnaya wrote on X. "Condolences to the families of the victims and quick recovery to the injured. Everyone involved in this crime must be found and held accountable."

320 firefighters, 3 helicopters working to put out fire

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the number of rescue crews responding to the attack is growing and now includes more than 320 firefighters, 130 emergency vehicles and three helicopters dumping water on the burning concert venue.

Moscow regional governor says 40 dead, more than 100 injured

Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram that at least 40 people are dead and more than 100 injured in the terrorist attack, confirming figures previously reported by Russian state news.

Putin informed about concert venue attack 'in the first minutes,' Kremlin spokesperson says

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the shooting at the Crocus concert hall "in the first minutes" of the attack, Russian state news agency RIA reported.

The president is receiving information about what is happening and the measures being taken through all relevant services and is giving necessary instructions, Peskov said according to RIA.

Russian journalist was inside concert venue when gunmen entered

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that one of its reporters was inside the venue when gunmen entered and began shooting concertgoers.

The journalist said that at least three unmasked gunmen in camouflage entered the hall a few minutes before 8 p.m. Moscow time. They shot people point-blank and threw incendiary bombs, according to the journalist.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calls incident 'bloody terrorist attack'

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, called the Friday night incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a "bloody terrorist attack" as she called for "strong condemnation" from the international community.

"Now, as the Russian authorities have stated, all efforts are being devoted to saving people," Zakharova said. "The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!"

U.S. national security spokesperson says embassy has told Americans to avoid large gatherings in Moscow

Kyla Guilfoil

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the attack in Moscow at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon, calling it a “terrible, terrible shooting attack.”

“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the the victims,” Kirby said.

Kirby added that the U.S. embassy has notified all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, concerts, shopping malls, etc., and “stay put where they are” for their safety.

Russian media says 40 dead, more than 100 injured at concert attack

TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, and RIA Novosti are reporting that Russia's FSB security agency has put the preliminary casualty count at 40 dead and more than 100 injured by a terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue.

NBC News has not confirmed those casualty numbers.

Roof of concert venue at risk of collapse, Russian media says

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that the roof of the building near the concert venue's stage has begun to collapse.

Video posted to Telegram by RIA Novosti showed fire continue to blaze inside the venue.

Moscow area governor says more than 70 ambluances at scene of attack

Andrei Vorobyov, Moscow's regional governor, said on Telegram that more than 70 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene of concert venue attack.

“Everything is being done at the scene to save people," he wrote in the Telegram message. "The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) has been deployed. There are over 70 ambulance carriages near Crocus, doctors provide the necessary assistance to all victims."

Nigel Chiwaya

Russia’s prosecutor general office says number of victims still being determined

Russia's prosecutor general said on Telegram that officials are working to determine how many people have been killed or hurt in the concert attack.

“On behalf of Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor of the Moscow region has gone to the scene of the incident at Crocus City Hall to coordinate the actions of law enforcement agencies," the prosecutor general's Telegram account posted. "Tonight, before the start of the event in the concert hall in Krasnogorsk, unknown men in camouflage clothes broke into the building and started shooting."

"The number of victims is being determined, a fire started in the entertainment center building, and citizens are being evacuated."

Moscow's mayor cancels weekend events

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all public events in Moscow this weekend.

"I have taken the decision to cancel all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend," he said. "I ask of you to treat this measure with understanding."

Popular rock band was to play sold-out venue that can hold 9,500

Tim Stelloh

A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the Moscow concert hall where there were reports of gunmen in combat fatigues opening fire.

Picnic, formed in 1978, was to play at Crocus City Hall, west of central Moscow.

The multilevel facility in Krasnogorsk has a maximum capacity of 9,527 people. Booking sites show the event was sold out.

Russia's aviation agency says additional security added to Moscow airports

The Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsiya said that additional security measures are being introduced in Moscow airports

"Due to increased security measures, we ask passengers to arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports in advance," the agency said on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow's emergency ministry says it is working to extinguish fire

Moscow’s emegency ministry said it was working to extinguish a fire that began at the music venue.

The ministry said about 100 people were evacuated from the building, and it was working to rescue people from the roof.

Russian media says state security taking action

Russia's news outlet RIA Novosti said that the country's security agency, the FSB, is taking measures to respond to the shooting at a concert hall near Moscow.

Videos posted by Russian media show men with rifles moving through area

Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through a concert hall. Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn’t immediately offer any further details.

Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.

Russian news outlets report gunman opened fire at Moscow concert hall

Several gunmen in combat fatigues burst into a big concert hall in Moscow on Friday and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people, Russian media said.

Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons. The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.

U.S. warned of imminent Moscow attack by ‘extremists,’ urges citizens to avoid crowds

Patrick Smith

U.S. citizens in  Moscow  had been warned to avoid large gatherings earlier this month because of heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

The U.S. Embassy in the Russian capital said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and “be aware of your surroundings,” it said in a brief  online update .

Read the full story here.

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In the aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack, is a harsher era under Putin in the works?

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, is escorted by police and FSB officers in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on the Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Mukhammadsobir Faizov, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Rosguardia (Russian National Guard) servicemen secure an area at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on March 23, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (Alexander Avilov/Moscow News Agency via AP, File)

FILE - A couple stand at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall on the western outskirts of Moscow, Russia, on March 26, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin lights a candle on March 24, 2024, to commemorate victims of a deadly attack two days earlier at the Crocus City Hall. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, speaks at a lecture at the 2024 World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia, Monday, March 4, 2024. Medvedev later declared that if investigators prove Ukraine’s involvement in the March 22 concert hall attack in Moscow, Russia should respond by deploying hit men to kill Ukrainian leaders. (Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

FILE - Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

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Video and photos of suspects in a mass shooting show them apparently being brutalized by Russian security forces — without any rebuke from authorities. A top Kremlin official urges that hit squads be sent to assassinate Ukrainian officials. Senior lawmakers call for restoring capital punishment, abolished decades ago.

The aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack that killed 145 people in the bloodiest assault in Russia in two decades seems to be setting the stage for even harsher rule by President Vladimir Putin following his highly orchestrated electoral landslide last month.

FILE - Rosguardia (Russian National Guard) servicemen secure an area at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on March 23, 2024. (Alexander Avilov/Moscow News Agency via AP, File)

Putin vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the March 22 attack that he linked to Ukraine despite Kyiv’s vehement denials and a claim of responsibility by an offshoot of the Islamic State group. He warned ominously that terrorism is a “double-edged weapon.”

Putin lieutenant Dmitry Medvedev declared that if Ukrainian involvement is proven, Moscow should respond by deploying hit men to kill the country’s leaders “in Kyiv or any other convenient place.”

The attack dealt a heavy blow to Putin less than a week after the vote that extended his rule for another six-years. It marked a major failure by his security agencies that were given an advance warning by the U.S. that extremists were planning an imminent attack.

Critics of the Kremlin argue that security forces are so focused on conducting the harshest crackdown on dissent since Soviet times that they are distracted from tackling real threats.

FILE - A couple stand at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall on the western outskirts of Moscow, Russia, on March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

In an apparent attempt to divert attention from the security lapse and rally support for the war in Ukraine, Putin and his lieutenants alleged — without evidence — that the arrest of the four suspects near Ukraine indicated Kyiv’s likely involvement.

The four, all citizens of Tajikistan, were detained by security forces in a forest about 140 kilometers (86 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Video confessions of their involvement in the attack were released by Russian news outlets, but the veracity of those statements has been called into question because the men seemed to have been severely beaten and bore other signs of brutality when they appeared in court.

One had a heavily bandaged ear -– reportedly cut off during interrogation. Another had pieces of a plastic bag on his neck, a possible sign of attempts at suffocation. A third was in a wheelchair, barely conscious, accompanied by medical personnel.

Russian police and other security agencies have long been accused of torture, but many incidents also brought official condemnation, dismissals of those involved and criminal prosecutions.

In stark contrast, authorities refused to comment on the grisly video that emerged or the signs of maltreatment seen in court.

One video showed a man in combat fatigues cutting off part of one of the suspects’ ear and forcing it into his mouth while threatening to do the same with his genitals. Another suspect was seen with his trousers pulled down and wires attached to his genitals.

The Associated Press was unable to verify the authenticity of the images, but Human Rights Watch said it determined the men in the photos and videos were the same as those in court for their pretrial hearings.

“The rapid and widespread sharing of these videos appears to be no accident but rather some kind of appalling boast by the Putin government of its brazen disregard for basic rights, fundamental humanity, and the rule of law,” said Tanya Lokshina, HRW’s associate director for Europe and Central Asia.

Kremlin propagandists sought to cast their treatment as a proper response to the massacre.

Margarita Simonyan, head of state-funded broadcaster RT, dismissed criticism and said the law enforcement personnel involved shouldn’t face any punishment.

“Imagine yourself in place of our guys who were chasing those ghouls who just mowed down many, many of our fellow citizens,” Simonyan said. “What were they supposed to do? Serve them some warm porridge and yogurt?”

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin lights a candle on March 24, 2024, to commemorate victims of a deadly attack two days earlier at the Crocus City Hall. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Many observers saw the tacit endorsement of such brutality as an ominous sign of more to come.

“All that serves a double function -– a show of terror as a mechanism of intimidation and rallying hatred,” political analyst Kirill Rogov said in a commentary. “It normalizes hatred as a response, including to those who have questions and disagreements.”

Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, who served as liberal-minded placeholder president in 2008-12, when term limits forced Putin to shift to the premier’s seat, has turned recently into one of the harsher voices from the Kremlin.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, speaks at a lecture at the 2024 World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia, Monday, March 4, 2024. (Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

In a commentary on his messaging app channel this week, he called for the extrajudicial killings of Ukrainian officials, arguing Russia should follow in the Soviet practice in the last century of assassinations, like those of Ukrainian nationalists Yevhen Konovalets and Stepan Bandera.

“What should we do? Simply crush the Banderite swine as the Soviet MGB did after the war,” Medvedev wrote, referring to a forerunner of the KGB, “and liquidate their leaders on convenient occasions -- like Konovalets and Bandera -– in Kyiv or any other convenient places.”

The concert hall attack also brought demands from hawks and some senior lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty, which has been suspended since 1996 when Russia joined the Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights organization.

Calls for its restoration have circulated often, particularly after attacks blamed on insurgents from the region of Chechnya and other militant extremists. They increased after Moscow left the Council of Europe after its invasion of Ukraine.

Vladimir Vasilyev, head of the parliamentary faction of United Russia, the main Kremlin party, said the lower house would review restoring the death penalty, taking into account “society’s mood and expectations.”

Some Kremlin-connected lawmakers and others oppose the move, in an apparent sign of Putin’s hesitation.

Andrei Klishas, the influential head of the constitutional affairs committee in the upper house of parliament, argued its restoration is impossible unless Russia approves a new constitution.

Andrei Medvedev, the deputy speaker of the Moscow City Council, said Russia should never bring back capital punishment because of its troubled history in the Soviet era.

“Regrettably, our judicial system isn’t ideal and isn’t immune from mistakes,” he wrote in a commentary. “The country that saw repressions, Red Terror ... and executions of those who believed in God must forget about the death penalty once and for all.”

Lidiya Mikheyeva, the secretary of the Public Chamber, a Kremlin-controlled advisory board, also spoke against reinstatement and reverting “to the times of savagery and barbarity.”

“The abolition of the death penalty is one of our country’s major historic achievements,” she added.

Dmitry Kiselyov, a Russian state TV commentator, also hinted that Putin doesn’t support its reinstatement. “It’s good that Russia is led by Putin, for whom the life of each of our citizens is priceless,” he said.

Despite those apparent doubts, many observers say the official tolerance of the harsh treatment of the suspects and calls for killing Russia’s enemies herald an even more ruthless era.

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Net Freedoms, a Russian group focusing on freedom of speech, noted that harsh statements from Putin and Medvedev coming amid “the backdrop of demonstrative torture effectively sanction extrajudicial executions and give law enforcement agencies a directive on how to treat the enemies.”

“We are seeing the possible beginning of the new Great Terror,” the group said, referring to the purges by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin of the 1930s. “There must be no illusions — the developments follow a very bad scenario and the slide is rapidly accelerating.”