Suspect in Tatarsky ‘terror attack’ remanded in custody

Darya Trepova, the prime suspect in the murder of prominent Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky, has been placed in pre-trial detention. The decision was announced by a Moscow court on Tuesday, shortly after Trepova was charged with terrorism by Russia’s Investigative Committee.

The hearings took place behind closed doors on request of investigators, with the court supporting the motion despite opposition from Trepova and her legal team. The suspect will remain in pre-trial custody for two months, which may be extended further if needed.

Earlier in the day, Trepova was charged with committing an act of terrorism while operating as part of an organized group, as well as illegal trafficking of explosive materials. The offences may result in up to 20 years behind bars if she’s found guilty.

According to the Investigative Committee, Trepova is the prime suspect in the assassination of Tatarsky (real name Maksim Fomin). She is believed to have brought a figurine loaded with explosives to an event at a café in central St. Petersburg, hosted by Tatarsky, on Sunday. She gave the blogger the figurine, which detonated shortly afterwards, killing him on the spot and injuring over 30 others.

The suspect had been “following the instructions of persons acting from the territory of Ukraine,” the Investigative Committee noted.