Teenagers honored for brave evacuation during Moscow-area terror attack

Maria Lvova-Belova, the Commissioner for Children's Rights of the President of Russia, honored two teenagers with letters of appreciation for their role in evacuating guests from Crocus City Hall during a terrorist attack on March 22. The ceremony was reported by Russian media on Monday, showcasing the students receiving diplomas in a picture frame. They were also reportedly intended to receive laptops as part of their recognition.

The teenagers, 15-year-old Islam Kalilov and 14-year-old Artem Donskow, demonstrated "sacrifice and personal courage" by aiding the victims, as acknowledged by the Kremlin. Both students attend school number 19 in Krasnogorsk, a city adjacent to Moscow, where the targeted concert hall is situated.

According to "Vedomosti", on the day of the attack, the boys were tasked with working in the concert-exhibition complex's cloakroom. Islam recounted saving 100 people by guiding a portion of the panicked crowd to a safer building, evidencing his quick thinking amidst the chaos.

Artem Donskow, also stationed in the cloakroom, recounted to the Russian station RBC how, upon hearing gunshots, people started rushing towards a service exit, leading to a dead-end. Recognizing the potential danger, the staff swiftly directed guests towards the emergency exit, averting further tragedy.

### Laptops for Heroism: Students Save Lives in a Concert Hall Near Moscow

"I don't see myself as a hero; it was just part of my job. I'm glad we could help, though the sadness and horror over the lives lost linger," Artem shared, adding that despite his fear, his concern for others predominated.

The courageous acts unfolded on a Friday evening at a concert and congress center near Moscow, when armed assailants stormed in, firing at attendees and subsequently setting the venue ablaze. The attack claimed 137 lives and left over 180 injured, according to Russian media reports.

Following the attack, four Tajikistani citizens suspected of the terrorism act were detained. A Moscow court charged them on Sunday evening. Media released footage showing the accused, visibly injured and tortured, being brought to court; one was in a wheelchair, unable to walk, facing life sentences if convicted.

Source: "Vedomosti"