The spiritual leader of Russian Muslims, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, honored 15-year-old Kyrgyzstan citizen Islam Khalilov for his bravery during a recent terror attack. Khalilov led over a hundred people to safety during the attack at the "Crocus City Hall" in Moscow on March 22.
Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin extended a personal invitation to Khalilov's father and son to attend the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.
Islam Khalilov will be awarded the "For Merit" medal by the Russian Muslim community on March 29.
Khalilov, who was working in the cloakroom of the concert hall, followed the emergency instructions and safely evacuated more than 100 people through a narrow passage and a service entrance to the street during the attack.
The Investigative Committee of Russia has ordered a departmental award for Khalilov.
Khalilov's mother, Aiperi, expressed her relief and gratitude that her son remained unharmed during the incident. She mentioned that he was also in a state of shock but they are proud of him.
Islam's father is from Suzak district, and his mother is from Uzgen district, while Islam himself was born in Russia. He is the eldest of three children.
It was reported that Khalilov guided frightened guests through smoke, an exhibition, and into service areas, leading them to safety outside during the attack.
The terror attack at "Crocus City Hall" in the Moscow region on March 22 resulted in the tragic deaths of 133 people, with the total number of victims rising to 287.
The Ministry of Health of the Moscow region confirmed the deaths of three children during the attack.
Earlier reports suggested that two citizens of Kyrgyzstan might have been affected by the attack. However, after verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kyrgyz embassy in Moscow, no confirmation was received. Efforts are ongoing to confirm the status of Kyrgyz citizens who may have been involved in the tragic events at "Crocus City Hall."
On March 23, it was reported that two Kyrgyz women went missing during the attack at "Crocus City Hall." The two women, Edita Zhusupova (24 years old) and Maiza Gulzhigit kyzy (20 years old), were working at one of the cafes in the concert center. The Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the information and stated that the women are being searched for.
The FSB announced that four individuals were involved in the attack at "Crocus City Hall" and were apprehended in the Bryansk region before being transferred to Moscow. Today, the Basmanny Court of Moscow will decide on their pretrial measures.
