11 July 2025
11 June 2025

Uzbekistan Raises Concerns Over Mistreatment of Citizens During Russian Raids

Image: Sergey Korneev

Uzbekistan has expressed serious concern over the reported mistreatment of its citizens during recent police raids in Russia.

On June 10, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a scheduled meeting with Russian officials to discuss migration issues. A ministry spokesperson stated that the Uzbek side raised alarm over reports of disrespectful and aggressive behavior toward its nationals during identity checks.

“In several instances, our citizens have faced unauthorized inspections and mistreatment,” the ministry said. “Such actions do not correspond to the friendly relations between our countries. We believe that concrete measures must be taken to prevent such incidents.”

The ministry emphasized that safeguarding the rights and interests of Uzbek citizens abroad remains a priority. It urged Russian authorities to treat migrants with dignity and adhere to international human rights standards.

The concerns follow a large-scale raid on June 8 in Moscow’s Strogino district, where Russian law enforcement reportedly targeted a dormitory housing migrants from other Eurasian countries. The building is located near a facility belonging to the Russian Defense Ministry, according to the Russian Telegram channel Baza.

During the operation, members of OMON, Russia’s special police forces under the National Guard, were seen using excessive force. Videos, some filmed by the officers themselves, show migrants being forcibly removed from their rooms, insulted, beaten, and in some instances, shocked with electric devices. The nationalities of those affected have not been confirmed.

In a separate incident in St. Petersburg, approximately 200 individuals were reportedly left to sleep outdoors overnight following a similar raid.

In response to these events, the Uzbek embassy in Moscow submitted an official note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting an explanation and a legal assessment of the law enforcement actions. The embassy described the incidents as unacceptable and called on Russian authorities to uphold the dignity of Uzbek nationals.

Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency also issued a statement affirming it was closely monitoring the situation. It confirmed that five or six individuals with documentation issues had been detained for further investigation.

The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to track developments and take further action if necessary.

Uzbek authorities have encouraged citizens affected by these events to contact their nearest consulate or the Migration Agency’s office in Russia.

Sadokat Jalolova

Sadokat Jalolova

Jalolova has worked as a reporter for some time in local newspapers and websites in Uzbekistan, and has enriched her knowledge in the field of journalism through courses at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Amsterdam on the Coursera platform.

View more articles fromSadokat Jalolova

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