Nationalists Launch Attacks on Central Asians in Siberia
Xenophobic Attacks on Central Asian-Owned Businesses Rise in Russia
Following the deadly Crocus City Hall terrorist attack near Moscow last month, reports of xenophobic incidents have been on the rise in various Siberian regions. Nationalists have been conducting “raids” against Central Asian-owned small businesses, targeting employees wearing head scarves.
In one disturbing incident on April 8, members of the Russian People’s Squad (RND) entered a pharmacy in Novosibirsk and demanded that a female pharmacist wearing a head scarf be fired if she refused to remove it. They justified their actions by stating that hijabs are only worn by radical Islamists in Russia.
The nationalists then left negative reviews about the pharmacy on digital platforms, criticizing the pharmacist for wearing a hijab in a secular state like Russia. The incident reflects a growing sentiment of intolerance towards Central Asian migrants in the country.
Central Asian migrants in Russia have reported being harassed by nationalist groups in their workplaces, with incidents escalating since the terrorist attack in Moscow on March 22. The attack, carried out by Tajik nationals affiliated with the Islamic State extremist group, left 144 people dead and sparked a wave of xenophobic actions against Central Asian migrants.
In another incident on the same day, the Russian People’s Squad targeted shawarma sellers in Novosibirsk, demanding the dismissal of female employees wearing head scarves. The RND, a subdivision of the Army of Defenders of the Fatherland organization, claims to work towards protecting the interests of Russian citizens from ethnic criminal groups.
Authorities have largely ignored the affected businesses’ reports of harassment, prompting human rights activists to call for police intervention to protect religious freedom. The rise in xenophobic sentiment has also led to legislative initiatives restricting migrant labor in Siberia.
The targeting of foreign-owned businesses and migrant laborers has not only been reported by residents and activists but also acknowledged by authorities themselves. A recent raid in Krasnoyarsk resulted in the detention of foreign citizens for violating migration legislation, with some facing deportation from Russia.
As tensions continue to escalate, it is essential for authorities to address and prevent further acts of xenophobia and discrimination against Central Asian migrants in Russia. The rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, must be protected to ensure a harmonious and inclusive society.
