Chechen authorities have denied reports of the construction of a mosque on the site of Crocus

Chechen Minister for National Policy, External Relations, Press and Information Akhmed Dudayev denied reports that they are planning to build a mosque on the site of the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, where the terrorist attack took place on March 22. Earlier, a photograph of a document circulated online, which stated that the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, allegedly sent a letter to the head of Krasnogorsk, Dmitry Volkov, with words of support for the initiative.

“The document is forged on the basis of a congratulatory address sent from the head of the Chechen Republic to the governor of the Bryansk region, Alexander Bogomaz, under the corresponding number dated March 23. Moreover, such letters are not certified by a seal,” wrote Akhmed Dudayev in Telegram channel.

The owner of Crocus Group Araz Agalarov said after the terrorist attack that the concert venue and other damaged facilities would be restored. According to his son Emin, construction will require at least $150 million. He also reportedthat the final decision on the restoration of the site has not been made and will be guided by the opinion of the authorities. The State Duma proposed building a temple or memorial square on the site of Crocus City Hall.

On March 22, a group of armed men opened fire on visitors to Crocus and then set the building on fire. According to the latest data, 144 people were killed and another 382 were injured. In Russia, eight people were arrested in connection with the terrorist attack, several more, as RIA Novosti reported, detained in Tajikistan.

About the investigation of the terrorist attack – in the Kommersant publication “Conversation shortened”.

Petr Buzlaev