In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall on March 22, the Russian regime under Vladimir Putin has intensified repression against immigrants in the country. The escalation in mobilization against foreigners can be attributed to the fact that four individuals accused of the attack were identified as citizens of Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia. These individuals were reportedly in Russia on temporary work visas, some of which had expired.
Russian authorities, including internal security and migration agencies, conducted operations to persecute foreigners in the country, resulting in nearly 500 people being ordered to leave since the Moscow terrorist attack. Many immigrants hail from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and their governments advised against participating in demonstrations or crowded events due to the risk of persecution or violence.
Despite the essential roles immigrants play in the job market, especially during times of war, Putin aims to maintain national unity and a moderate image. However, the persecution of foreigners is becoming increasingly apparent, fueling tensions within the country. The Russian regime’s claims of increased crimes by immigrants contradict official data, showing a decline in such incidents.
Human Rights Watch reports that even before the attack, foreigners in Russia faced constant persecution, with racial profiling, identity checks, and prolonged detentions. This treatment has been criticized for unfairly targeting non-Slavic migrants and ethnic minorities. The ongoing crackdown on immigrants threatens to further strain the delicate balance within Russian society.
The incident has also led to an increase in xenophobic attacks against migrants in Russia. On March 31st