Brazilian government expresses solidarity with Russia after attack in Moscow

The Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), issued a note of solidarity with the people and government of Russia after the attack that occurred at the Crocus City Hall, in Moscow, this Friday (22). The attack, which occurred during a rock concert, resulted in the deaths of at least 133 people and left more than 140 injured.

“By expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the wish for a speedy recovery for the injured, Brazil expresses its solidarity with the people and government of Russia and reiterates its firm repudiation of any and all acts of terrorism“, wrote the agency.

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There is no news of any Brazilian citizen being a victim of the attack.

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_{A poster placed on an advertising screen in Moscow with the phrase “We mourn” to express the country’s pain after the attack (Photo: reproduction/Getty Images Embed/Vladimir Nikolayev/AF)}

The attack

The shooters, dressed in camouflage clothing and carrying rifles, fired indiscriminately into the crowd, creating a scene of chaos and terror. The Crocus, venue for the band Piknik's concert on the night of the 22nd, was taken over by a fire, caused by criminals, which quickly spread throughout the building.

A group affiliated with the self-styled Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack, although this claim has not yet been independently verified. Russian authorities have detained eleven individuals in connection with the case, including four directly involved in the attack.

Witnesses reported moments of terror during the shooting, describing scenes of rush and despair as they tried to escape the place, which is known for hosting renowned Russian artists. Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the situation by the country's security forces.

Reactions to the tragedy

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin declared it a “terrible tragedy” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, while the ombudsman, Tatyana Moskalkova, classified what happened as a “terrorist attack.” Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that Putin wished the injured a speedy recovery and thanked the doctors for their work. The General Directorate of Investigation of the Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal investigation into the case, framing it under article 205, referring to terrorist acts.

The tragedy in the Russian capital generated a wave of international reactions, with several countries expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The White House lamented the episode, describing it as “terrible”, and National Security Advisor John Kirby dismissed any hint of Ukrainian involvement. The UK Embassy, ​​UN Secretary-General's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq and the European Union also condemned the attack and expressed their regrets.

Featured photo: Crocus City Hall (Reproduction/Olga Maltseva/Getty Images Embed)