The Tajiks suspected of attacking the Crocus City hall in Moscow oblast do not have good religious knowledge, do not pray and they did not commit that act in the name of Islam, Saidmukarram Abdulqodirzoda, the head of the Shuroi Ulamo (Council of Ulema – Tajikistan's highest Islamic institution) told reporters in Dushanbe on July 30.  

According to him, those four Tajiks arrested on charges of committing that terrorist attack “were deceived by fraudulent groups.” 

“They probably had no idea how this “act” of theirs would end.  “Essentially, they (recruiters – ed.) took advantage of our youth’s ignorance,” Tajik grant mufti added.  

Sulaimon Davlatzoda, the head of the Committee on Religious Affairs (CRA) under the Government of Tajikistan, for his part, noted that they that they are in contact and cooperation with their Russian colleagues.  

“The process of recruiting citizens into terrorist and extremist groups via the Internet and social networks is still active.  Explanatory work among migrants has been repeatedly carried out in Russia.  We will continue to try to organize more such events,” Davlatzoda said.  

Recall, four Tajiks are accused by the Russian authorities of storming a concert hall in Moscow oblast and killing scores of people.

 Experts note that Tajiks have been recruited to Islamist extremist groups inside Russia, with recruiters often targeting disenfranchised migrants.