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The Jamestown Foundation (15 May 2024)

Umida Hashimova

In the aftermath of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attacks, the Russian government has responded with a sweeping crackdown on Central Asian migrants (see EDM, March 26, 28, May 9; see Terrorism Monitor, May 6). Labor migrants from Central Asia are subject to lengthy checks before being allowed into the country or turned away upon being found ineligible. Those already residing within Russia face heightened scrutiny and surveillance (see EDM, February 14). The scale of these actions has not escaped the attention of politicians in Central Asian countries and the families of migrants, who are undoubtedly concerned about the changes in treatment. Russia is not in a position to lose any more allies, and if they continue to allow the harassment of Central Asian migrants, Moscow runs the risk of alienating the region.

Central Asian migrants are experiencing harsh treatment despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that the terrorist attacks in Crocus City should not “provoke a rise in xenophobia and Islamophobia” (Izvestiya, April 2). Putin’s message, more directed at nationalistic groups and law enforcement, indicates his concerns about avoiding large-scale overt disturbances based on race, likely because of his concern that the situation could quickly escalate out of control.

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