Russian Regime Intensifies Repression Against Immigrants Following Moscow Concert Hall Attack

Following the terrorist attack on a Moscow concert hall on March 22, the Russian regime under Vladimir Putin has intensified repression against immigrants in the country. In the aftermath of the attack, claimed by an Islamic State front, which caught the country’s authorities off guard and tarnished the image of Russian intelligence, the Kremlin launched a crackdown on immigrants.

Russian authorities, including internal security and migration agencies, conducted operations to persecute foreigners in the country, resulting in nearly 500 people being ordered to leave since the Moscow terrorist attack. Despite this persecution, many immigrants hail from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and their governments advised against participating in demonstrations or crowded events due to the risk of persecution or violence.

Despite their essential roles in the job market, especially during times of war, Putin aims to maintain national unity and a moderate image. However, this persecution of foreigners is becoming increasingly apparent, fueling tensions within the country. The ongoing crackdown on immigrants threatens to further strain the delicate balance within Russian society.

Before the attack, foreigners in Russia faced constant persecution with racial profiling, identity checks and prolonged detentions. This treatment unfairly targeted non-Slavic migrants and ethnic minorities. Human Rights Watch reports that even after