Number of children killed in Moscow concert attack rises to 6, rights official says

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The number of children killed in the March 22 attack on the Crocus City concert hall in Moscow region has risen to six, Russia's children's ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova said on Wednesday.

Five more children are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals, two of them in critical condition, Lvova-Belova said at the 22nd All-Russian Congress of Commissioners for Children's Rights in the Siberian city of Tyumen.

"At present, we have confirmed reports of six children who lost their lives, with seven others sustaining injuries. Two have been discharged and are recovering at home, while five remain hospitalized, two of whom are in serious condition and three in moderate condition," she said. Earlier reports indicated five child deaths.

Eight children have been left orphaned as a result of this terrorist attack, and efforts are underway to ensure they receive appropriate care and guardianship, preferably within the families of relatives to prevent them from being placed in social institutions, Lvova-Belova said.

At least 144 people were killed and more than 550 others injured last month when gunmen opened fire at the entertainment venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast. Russia has charged four people for being directly involved in the attack.

In a separate statement, the attorney general's office said it transferred to France, Germany, the Greek Cypriot administration, and US appeals from Russian lawmakers about their involvement in the planning of terrorist attacks against Russia.