A terrorist attack at the "Crocus City Hall" has dealt a serious blow to the image of Tajikistan. During talks with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, in the Kremlin, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon made this statement.
Emomali Rahmon also spoke out against double standards in the fight against terrorism and extremism, emphasizing that terrorism has no nationality or religion. He stressed the need to combat terrorism together "everywhere and always" and highlighted that the authorities of the republic will continue to closely cooperate with Russia on this issue.
"The people of Tajikistan condemned the terrorist attack. We have been fighting extremism and terrorism for over 30 years and know firsthand what it entails. Terrorism is a global problem. Our adversaries want to sow discord using various methods, but our position is clear: Russia is a strategic partner and ally for Tajikistan," said Rahmon.
The President also touched upon the issue of labor migration during the meeting. In turn, Vladimir Putin thanked Emomali Rahmon for visiting Moscow and for the words of condolence expressed during the terrorist attack.
"Thank you for the words of condolence you expressed – you were one of the first to mention it – regarding the terrorist attack in Moscow. Terrorism poses a threat to all countries, including Russia and Tajikistan. Our special services are actively working to counter common threats because terrorism is a threat to all," noted Putin, emphasizing that Russia remains the main trade and economic partner of Tajikistan.
The terrorist attack at the "Crocus City Hall" in Krasnogorsk near Moscow occurred on the evening of March 22. Armed men opened fire before the performance of the band "Picnic," leading to a fire. The incident resulted in the death of 145 people, with over 550 injured. As part of the criminal case, 12 individuals, mostly Tajik citizens, have been arrested.
On May 8, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation, Sergei Naryshkin, stated that the investigation into the attack is ongoing. Previously, the Director of the FSB of Russia, Alexander Bortnikov, mentioned that the mastermind of the attack is located abroad.
The responsibility for the attack was claimed by a cell of the "Islamic State" in Afghanistan. However, Russian authorities have raised the possibility of Ukraine's involvement in the attack, as some perpetrators attempted to flee to that country for promised rewards. Similar accusations have been denied in Kyiv. The US and the EU also insist on Ukraine's non-involvement in the incident.
