After Moscow attack, migrants from Central Asia hit by backlash
By Laura Gozzi
An increase in beatings, vandalism and episodes of racism against Central Asian migrants has been reported in Russia since the deadly attacks at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall last Friday.
Four Tajik nationals have been accused of killing 140 people in the attack, claimed by jihadist group Islamic State. Several other suspects have been arrested, all of Central Asian origin.
Forecasting a rise in tensions in the aftermath of the Moscow murders, the embassy of Tajikistan in Russia warned its citizens at the weekend not to leave their homes unless necessary.
Central Asian migrants make up a sizeable proportion of Russia’s migrant labour population, particularly in the retail, transportation and construction sectors.
Many already experience high levels of discrimination. They are “often confronted with broad social xenophobia that sees them as something of an underclass,” Prof Edward Lemon of Texas A&M University told the BBC.
Tajik-born singer Manizha Sanghin, who represented Russia at Eurovision in 2021, condemned the “flagrant atrocity” of the Moscow attack, but warned of the “consequences that will descend upon Tajiks and all residents of Central Asia”. She is now a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency.
