Russian Foreign Ministry Comments on Detention of Kyrgyzstan's Citizens in Moscow Bathhouse

The Russian Foreign Ministry has commented on the widely discussed detention of Kyrgyzstan's citizens at the "Bodrost" bathhouse in Moscow. According to the Ministry, nearly half of those detained had violated migration laws, and some are suspected of ties to radical groups, Orda.kz reports, citing TASS.

Officials stated that the April 10 inspection of the bath complex was part of ongoing public safety measures and not specifically targeted at citizens of any particular country.

During the raid on April 10, 59 foreigners were taken to law enforcement agencies, 25 of whom were in Russia in violation of immigration laws,
the Ministry reported. 

Some detainees are also suspected of being affiliated with radical groups. Authorities claim that resistance during the raid led to the use of physical force.

The employees acted within the scope of their authority provided for by Russian legislation,
the Ministry emphasized. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry also addressed social media reports alleging excessive use of force, asserting that police acted to counter resistance.

Meanwhile, Kloop reports that Russian authorities have launched checks into the April 10 incident, following an appeal from Kyrgyz ombudsman Dzhamila Dzhamanbayeva to her Russian counterpart.

Tatiana Moskalkova confirmed that the prosecutor’s office and migration service are now reviewing the case, stressing that security efforts should not violate the rights of law-abiding individuals.

Earlier, Orda.kz reported that public backlash erupted in Kyrgyzstan following the release of videos from the Moscow bathhouse incident.

Eyewitnesses claimed the detainees were assaulted and humiliated. 

Member of Parliament Zhanar Akayev called on Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry to issue a note of protest and request a formal investigation. The Ministry later confirmed that an official protest had been sent to the Russian side.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov