concert

Macron: it would be cynical, counterproductive for Russia to pin Moscow attack on Ukraine

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Macron: it would be cynical, counterproductive for Russia to pin Moscow attack on Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the attack on a concert hall near Moscow, which resulted in 137 deaths, was carried out by Islamic State. Macron advised against Russia blaming Ukraine for the attack, emphasizing it would be cynical and counterproductive. Despite the Islamic State group claiming responsibility for the attack, Russia disputed claims from the United States and other countries about the group’s involvement, suggesting a cover-up for Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin did not attribute the attack to the Islamist militant group but mentioned that the attackers had attempted to escape to Ukraine, with some assistance from the Ukrainian side. Ukraine denied any involvement in the attack, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Putin of trying to divert blame towards Ukraine. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, questioned U.S. claims about Islamic State’s involvement. Macron highlighted that the Islamic State group had also attempted attacks in France and mentioned that France had raised its terror alert to the highest level following the Moscow attack. Macron offered to increase cooperation with Russian intelligence services and partners in the region to find the culprits and combat such groups targeting multiple countries.

Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

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Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

Russia observed a day of mourning with flags at half-mast after an attack at a rock concert outside Moscow resulted in 137 deaths, including three children, and 180 injuries. President Vladimir Putin declared the national day of mourning and promised to find and punish those responsible for the attack, which Islamic State claimed responsibility for. Over 100 people remained hospitalized, some in serious condition. Putin lit a candle in memory of the victims and expressed condolences in a national address. The attackers, who had attempted to flee to Ukraine, were said by Putin to have had assistance from the Ukrainian side, a claim Ukraine denied. The attack took place at Crocus City Hall during a performance by the rock group Picnic. It was the deadliest attack on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege. In response to the tragedy, Moscow residents formed long lines to donate blood, and billboards across the city displayed mourning messages. Countries worldwide expressed horror and condolences. Putin mentioned that 11 people had been detained in connection with the attack, including the suspected gunmen. The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated the gunmen had contacts in Ukraine. The U.S. shared information with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow earlier in the month, emphasizing that Islamic State bore sole responsibility for the attack and denying any Ukrainian involvement.

Recitals at Shoe Factory bring renowned musicians

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Recitals at Shoe Factory bring renowned musicians

April at The Shoe Factory in Nicosia will feature recitals and concerts with international and local musicians. The Pharos Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Institut Français de Chypre, will present a Byzantine and Sufi music concert with Kudsi Erguner and Giannis Koutis on April 3. This concert will explore the musical connections between Byzantine and Sufi traditions in Cyprus, featuring music from the ceremonies of the whirling dervishes of Nicosia and the Byzantine music heard in Cypriot churches. Nikos Andrikos will also perform on lavta and voice. On April 11, a violin and piano recital will showcase Cypriot artists Konstantina Maimari and Christos Yiallouros, performing sonatas by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev. Russian pianist Vladimir Petrov will give a piano recital on April 19, playing works by Chopin, Liszt, Scriabin, and Prokofiev, marking his return three years after a previous performance in Nicosia.

Death and fear stoked hell in Moscow attack, witnesses say

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Death and fear stoked hell in Moscow attack, witnesses say

Four armed men attacked Crocus City Hall outside Moscow, killing more than 143 people and injuring dozens in the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege. The attackers, wearing camouflage and combat vests, fired at civilians and set the building on fire, leading to a massive blaze that gutted the hall. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The Federal Security Service (FSB) detained 11 people in connection with the incident, denying any involvement from Kyiv.

World reaction to deadly shooting at Moscow concert hall

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World reaction to deadly shooting at Moscow concert hall

– A shooting rampage occurred at a concert hall near Moscow, resulting in dozens of deaths, and was claimed by Islamic State militants.
– The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack and emphasized the need for justice against those responsible.
– White House spokesman John Kirby expressed condolences for the victims.
– Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called for global condemnation of the crime.
– Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak denied Ukraine’s involvement in the incident.
– Yulia Navalnaya demanded justice for the crime.
– Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the massacre.
– The French Foreign Ministry expressed sympathy for the victims and called for clarity on the acts.
– The German Foreign Ministry offered condolences and called for a quick clarification of the attack’s background.
– Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz mentioned monitoring the situation for its impact on Poland’s security.
– Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed horror at the terrorist act and offered thoughts to the victims and Russian people.
– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and offered solidarity with Russia.
– Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the attack and expressed condolences.
– Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the terrorist act and offered condolences to Russia.
– U.S. Senator Mitt Romney condemned the targeting and murder of civilians.

EXPLAINER-Why did ISIS-K attack a Moscow theater?

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EXPLAINER-Why did ISIS-K attack a Moscow theater?

The U.S. has intelligence confirming Islamic State’s responsibility for a deadly shooting attack at a concert near Moscow. Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, known for extreme brutality and being one of the most active Islamic State affiliates. Its membership has declined since 2018 due to losses inflicted by the Taliban and U.S. forces. The U.S. stated that intelligence capabilities against groups like ISIS-K in Afghanistan have decreased after the 2021 troop withdrawal. ISIS-K has conducted various attacks, including twin bombings in Iran and a suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul. The group opposes Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing him in propaganda and viewing Russia as oppressive towards Muslims.

Gunmen kill more than 60 in concert attack near Moscow, Islamic State claims responsibility (updated)

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Gunmen kill more than 60 in concert attack near Moscow, Islamic State claims responsibility (updated)

Camouflage-clad gunmen attacked concertgoers near Moscow, killing at least 60 people and injuring 145. The attack, claimed by Islamic State militants, is the deadliest in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege. The incident occurred just before the Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was to perform at the Crocus City Hall. Videos showed people fleeing amidst gunfire. Russian investigators confirmed the death toll, and health officials reported about 145 wounded, with 60 in critical condition. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, stating its fighters caused destruction and casualties before withdrawing. The United States confirmed Islamic State’s claim and mentioned having warned Russia of a potential attack. The attack on Crocus City Hall happened two weeks after the U.S. embassy in Russia warned of an imminent extremist attack in Moscow. Russia tightened security nationwide following the incident.

No Cypriots mentioned among the victims of the Moscow massacre says Foreign Ministry

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No Cypriots mentioned among the victims of the Moscow massacre says Foreign Ministry

No Cypriots have been reported among the victims or wounded from the terrorist attack at a concert venue in a Moscow suburb. The Embassy of Cyprus in Moscow is in contact with Russian authorities. On March 8, the Embassy advised Cypriot citizens in Moscow to avoid crowded places due to the risk of terrorist attacks, as per a message on the X platform.

Gunmen kill 40 in attack at concert near Moscow, Islamic State claims responsibility

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Gunmen kill 40 in attack at concert near Moscow, Islamic State claims responsibility

At least 40 people were killed and 145 wounded when gunmen attacked concertgoers near Moscow. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident occurred at the Crocus City Hall before a performance by the Soviet-era rock group “Picnic.” Verified videos showed the chaos and the attempts of people to escape the gunfire. Russia’s Federal Security Service reported the casualties, and the attack has been described as one of the deadliest on Russian soil in decades. Children were among the dead and injured. The venue experienced significant damage, including a collapsing roof and a fire. The United States, European and Arab powers, and many former Soviet republics condemned the attack. Two weeks prior to the attack, the U.S. embassy in Russia had warned of an imminent extremist attack in Moscow. Following the incident, Russia increased security measures across the country.

Gunmen kill at least 40 in attack at concert hall near Moscow

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Gunmen kill at least 40 in attack at concert hall near Moscow

At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured in an attack by five gunmen at a concert in Crocus City Hall near Moscow. The gunmen, dressed in camouflage and armed with automatic weapons, opened fire on the crowd. There was also a report of a second blast at the venue. The attack occurred during a concert by the band “Picnic.” The incident took place shortly after President Vladimir Putin was re-elected and amidst Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed the casualties and stated that all necessary measures were being taken. The identity of the gunmen was not immediately clear. In response to the attack, security was tightened across Moscow. Russia’s foreign ministry described the incident as a “bloody terrorist attack” and emphasized the need for global condemnation. The U.S. embassy in Russia had previously warned of an imminent extremist attack in Moscow.