Moscow says two attackers copped to concert hall bombing

A Russian court statement says two of the four men accused of staging the Russia concert hall attack that killed more than 130 people have claimed guilt in the attack, after being charged in the preliminary hearing.

Earlier accounts said three or all four had pleaded guilty, but court officials now say only Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev and Saidakrami Rachabalizoda admitted guilt for the attack after being charged.

The two appeared before a Moscow court Sunday along with Shamsidin Fariduni, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov to face charges of committing a group terrorist attack resulting in the death of others. The offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

All four showed signs of severe beatings, raising questions about whether they were speaking freely. Faizov appeared to be barely conscious during the hearing.

The court ordered that the men, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, be held in pre-trial custody until May 22.