Following 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. This increase in mobilization against foreigners stems from the fact that four individuals accused of the attack were identified as citizens of Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia, according to Russian authorities. The detainees were reported to have been in Russia on temporary work visas, some of which had expired.
The Kremlin’s persecution policy became apparent in the days following the attack claimed by an Islamic State front, which caught Russian authorities off guard and brought about a crisis in the image of Russian intelligence. Shortly after the attack, around 40 migrants were arrested in an area 60 kilometers from Moscow. Reports also emerged of attacks on a barbershop in Ivanovo where one of the alleged terrorists worked, indicating a rise in xenophobic sentiment.
Security and migration bodies in Russia began conducting operations targeting foreigners in the country, resulting in mass searches and charges for alleged violations of migration laws. Nearly 500 people have been ordered to be expelled from the country since the attack in Moscow. Immigrants primarily from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan form a significant portion of the population in Russia, and in response to the growing persecution, their home countries have advised citizens to avoid demonstrations and crowded events due to the risk of persecution or violence.
The measures taken by the Russian regime are putting Putin in a delicate position as immigrants play essential roles in the job market, particularly during times of conflict. Putin is attempting to downplay the situation to maintain national unity and a positive image of leadership representing Russia’s diverse ethnic groups. However, the increasing persecution of foreigners is becoming more evident, as evidenced by baseless claims from officials about rising crime rates among immigrants and reports of ongoing racial profiling and unjust detainment.
Human Rights Watch reports that persecution of foreigners in Russia was common even before the March attack. They found that Russian police engaged in racial profiling of non-Slavic migrants and ethnic minorities, subjecting them to unnecessary identity checks and prolonged detention. This systemic discrimination underscores the challenges faced by immigrants in Russia and the need for greater protection of their rights and safety.