Uzbekistan Sends Diplomatic Note to Russia Over Treatment of Migrant Workers in Moscow

The Embassy of Uzbekistan sent a note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the situation in Moscow, where, during a raid, security forces reportedly treated migrant workers rudely and humiliatingly, Orda.kz reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the Russian side to discuss migration issues. During the meeting, the Uzbek side expressed concern over reports of unauthorized inspections and instances of disrespectful and, at times, rough treatment of Uzbek citizens residing in Russia.

The incident in question occurred in the Strogino district of Moscow, where riot police conducted a raid at a dormitory for migrant workers located on the premises of a Russian Defense Ministry facility.

Eyewitnesses claim that security forces forced men out of their rooms, using physical force such as kicks and slaps on those who hesitated. Videos shared on social media reportedly contain verbal abuse as well.

We have drawn attention to the fact that such cases are absolutely incompatible with friendly relations between our countries and that specific measures are needed to prevent them. The Republic of Uzbekistan considers its priority task to be the protection of the rights and interests of its citizens living and temporarily staying abroad,
 the Uzbek Foreign Ministry empasized.

The Ministry called on Russian institutions to treat Uzbek citizens with respect.

The Uzbek side reported that its embassy submitted a diplomatic note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting a legal assessment of the law enforcement officers’ actions.

The document characterizes the incident as a human rights violation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan keeps this issue under constant control and will continue to take additional measures if necessary,
 the Ministry stated.

Several months earlier, a diplomatic dispute arose between Russia and Kyrgyzstan following a similar raid in Moscow during which Kyrgyz citizens were detained and reportedly assaulted. The Kyrgyz government responded by issuing a formal protest.

On June 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan also addressed recent changes to Russia’s entry procedures for Kazakh citizens and commented on whether reciprocal measures would be considered.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya