Tajikistan Raises Alarm Over Migrant Abuse In Russia

Umed Bobozoda, Tajikistan's human rights commissioner, voiced serious concerns over the mistreatment of Tajik migrants in Russia. In a letter to his Russian counterpart, Tatyana Moskalkova, Bobozoda accused Russian law enforcement of using illegal methods, including physical abuse and unjustified detentions, particularly since a deadly terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow in March. Since the attack, in which several Tajik nationals were implicated, around 20,000 Tajiks have been deported, and many others have faced harsh treatment in Russia. Bobozoda highlighted that detained Tajik citizens, including women and children, are often denied basic necessities. Tajik officials, including Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, have raised these issues with Russian officials in recent meetings, but the response from Moscow remains uncertain. The ongoing crackdown threatens to strain relations between the two countries, the leaders of which have called each other key strategic partners. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.