Crackdown on minorities in Russia intensifies following Moscow attack

Since the attack on the Crocus Centre near Moscow, Russian police have been conducting sweeps on the streets and raids on dormitories for foreign students, as well as places inhabited by foreigners and minorities. Searches, checks, and even detentions are primarily concerning people of non-white races.

In the attack in Russia, which was carried out on March 22 this year, 143 people died. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. The detained and openly brutally interrogated alleged perpetrators are of Tajik origin.

Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine, the United States, and Great Britain of orchestrating this act of terrorism. However, the Kremlin directed this narrative to the international community. The message within Russia is somewhat different.

Domestically, the incident has had severe repercussions for Russian immigrants and ethnic minorities. The repression against foreigners and national minority representatives has intensified.

According to Politico, since the end of March, law enforcement agencies have been engaging in a wide-ranging operation, including mass revisions and detentions. 466 individuals have already been charged—the charges primarily concern violations of immigration laws and illegal work. Hundreds of individuals are awaiting extradition from Russia.

In connection with Moscow's actions, the authorities of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan—countries from which the largest communities of Russian migrants originate—issued statements advising their citizens to avoid participating in any large gatherings in Russia and to exercise caution.

- The wave of xenophobia is very noticeable to the indigenous population. People are afraid to leave their houses, avoid public transportation, and opt for taxis; some stop working, while others always keep a phone at hand - Polygon's Viktoria Maladayeva, president of the Foundation of Indigenous Residents of Russia, which represents non-Slavic nations that have resided in what is now Russia for years, shared.

There are about 300 ethnic groups in Russia. Some representatives of these minorities are non-white. Vladimir Putin officially recognizes citizens belonging to national groups such as Chechen, Mordvin, Bashkir, Dagestan, Ossetian, Tatar, and others as rightful Russians. However, the narrative that foreigners present a threat within the country is becoming more frequent.

Source: Politico, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna