On March 25th, a Nowruz carnival named "Caravan of Joy" took place at Istiklol Square in Dushanbe. The event was attended by President Emomali Rahmon, accompanied by his spouse, the mayor of the capital Rustam Emomali, and other officials.
During his speech at the carnival, President Rahmon congratulated the attendees on Nowruz and also addressed the recent tragedy at the "Crocus City Hall" on March 22nd. The President did not elaborate further on the terrorist attack in his speech.
Following the President's address, a festive program consisting of 20 parts commenced, with over 11,000 people participating in the "Caravan of Joy". The celebratory program concluded with a colorful fireworks display.
President Rahmon had previously condemned the incident and stated in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that "terrorists have no nationality, homeland, or religion".
Official reports stated that 139 people lost their lives in the terrorist attack, with 182 individuals sustaining injuries. On March 23rd, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of 11 individuals accused of carrying out the attack. Among the main suspects were Tajik nationals Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rajabalizoda, Muhammadsoibir Fayzov, and Shamsiddin Fariduni.
On March 25th, three more individuals were sent to pre-trial detention until May 22nd, accused of aiding the main suspects in organizing the attack.
