Russia’s Escalating Crackdown on Migrants Following Moscow Concert Hall Terrorist Attack

In the wake of the terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall on March 22, the Russian government has intensified its repression against foreigners in the country. This increase in hostility towards migrants comes after 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 following the attack claimed by an Islamic State front, which caught Russian authorities off guard and led to a crisis in their image of 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.

In response to the growing persecution, nearly 500 people have been ordered to be expelled from Russia since the attack in Moscow. Immigrants primarily from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan form a significant portion of Russia’s population, and 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 President 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, as evidenced by baseless claims from officials about rising crime rates among immigrants and reports of ongoing racial profiling and unjust detainment, Putin is failing to address systemic discrimination faced by immigrants in Russia and failing to provide adequate protection for their rights and safety.

Human Rights Watch reports that persecution of foreigners was common even before the March attack. They found that Russian police engaged in racial profiling against non-Slavic migrants and ethnic minorities subjecting them to unnecessary identity checks and prolonged detention. This systemic discrimination highlights