Several executives of Vladimir Putin’s regime have, since the deadly attack in Moscow, increased calls for the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty for “terrorists”. “Today, many are asking the question of the death penalty (…) a decision will be made which will meet the expectations of our society,” commented the head of the parliamentary group of the ruling United Russia party, Vladimir Vassiliev, regarding the lifting of the moratorium in place since 1996.
Another parliamentary official, in charge of security issues, Yuri Afonine, went further: “when we talk about terrorism, the murder of people, we must reinstate the death penalty within the framework of criminal law.” Sergei Mironov, a figure in the pro-Kremlin “Just Russia” party, also called for “the establishment of the death penalty for people committing terrorist acts.”
No mention of the jihadist trail by Russia
In addition to jihadist groups like the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall on Friday that left at least 133 dead, Russia considers many Ukrainian opponents and leaders to be “extremists” and “terrorists.” This month, it also added the “international LGBT movement” to the list of terrorist organizations established by Russian financial services.
Russia has so far made no mention of the jihadist trail regarding Friday’s attack, despite IS’s claim. The Russian security services and Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, have mentioned a trail leading to Ukraine, without further details. Russia has also orchestrated a total repression of the opposition, including accusations of extremism, terrorism, discrediting the armed forces and treason.
Finally, the former president and current number 2 of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev assured Friday that Russia would “destroy” the Ukrainian leaders if they were responsible for the attack on the concert hall. “If it is established that they are terrorists of the Kiev regime … they must all be found and mercilessly destroyed as terrorists. Including the leaders of the state that committed such atrocity,” he said on Telegram.