Russian citizens leave flowers at Russian Consulate in Istanbul

By Ilyas Kacar

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian citizens in Istanbul laid flowers and lit candles in front of Russia's Consulate General building for those who lost their lives in Friday's terrorist attack in Moscow.

Throughout the day, visitors to the consulate general in Beyoglu lit candles for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow on Friday.

Those who left flowers in front of the consulate then departed after offering prayers.

Onder Ozdemir, who says he lives in Russia with his daughter and wife, said: "I came here for vacation. I heard about the events, and I'm deeply saddened. May God protect everyone. My condolences to the entire Russian nation."

Gunmen opened fire at concertgoers late Friday, killing at least 133 people and injuring 145 others. The attack took place as the rock band Picnic was about to perform at the Crocus City Hall just west of Moscow.