The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Moscow has sent a formal note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting comments on the violent raid conducted by Moscow’s OMON (special police unit) in a migrant dormitory and seeking a legal assessment of the actions of the security forces. This was reported by the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official Telegram channel.
The incident, which occurred on June 8, was discussed during a meeting between officials from the Uzbek and Russian Foreign Ministries on June 10. The Uzbek side expressed concerns about unauthorized searches and the rough treatment of Uzbek citizens in Russia. The Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such incidents contradict the spirit of friendly relations between the two countries and stressed the need for concrete measures to prevent them in the future.
“We noted that such incidents are contrary to the spirit of our countries’ friendly relations, and we emphasized the need for specific actions to prevent them,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The Ministry also stressed that protecting the rights and interests of Uzbek citizens, both at home and abroad, is a top priority for the Uzbek diplomatic service. In this context, they called on Russia to strictly adhere to international law and human rights standards in dealing with foreign nationals, as well as to respect the honor and dignity of Uzbek citizens.
The embassy added that the matter is under control and that additional steps will be taken if necessary. The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Moscow continues its diplomatic dialogue with Russian authorities through official channels.
The incident occurred during a harsh raid on June 8 in a dormitory for migrant workers in Moscow. The raid led to the detention of 5-6 individuals who had violated migration regulations, including two citizens of Tajikistan, who were later deported. During the operation, OMON officers used physical force, kicking and slapping migrants as they were forced out of their rooms.
Following the incident, Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency expressed concern and urged nationals who experienced rights violations to immediately contact the Uzbek diplomatic mission in Russia for assistance.
Public figures in Uzbekistan also reacted to the event. Sherkhodkhon Kudrathodja, Rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, described the actions of the Moscow OMON as a manifestation of nationalism. He called on citizens of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries to reconsider labor migration to Russia, suggesting that alternative countries should be sought for work.
