Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Ms. Tatyana Moskalkova, has visited a correctional facility in Tajikistan, where she met with Russian nationals serving prison sentences and assessed their conditions.
According to the press service of the Tajik Ombudsman’s office, Moskalkova visited Correctional Colony YAS 3/1 under Tajikistan’s Ministry of Justice during her official trip to the country.
During the visit, Moskalkova spoke with several Russian inmates, inquiring about their living conditions and health. Some prisoners requested assistance in being transferred to correctional facilities in Russia, citing difficulties in maintaining contact with relatives due to the long distance.
“The inmates expressed gratitude for the conditions of their detention and the respectful treatment by prison staff,” the press release stated. “Some noted that their families live in Russia and are unable to visit due to the distance. They requested help in serving the remainder of their sentences in Russia.”
Moskalkova also toured the prison’s infrastructure, including sleeping quarters, medical units, workshops, a store, and other facilities.
It was not confirmed whether Moskalkova met with her Tajik counterpart, Human Rights Ombudsman Umed Bobozoda, during the visit.
Bobozoda had previously sent more than ten letters to Moskalkova raising concerns about violations of the rights of Tajik migrants in Russia. A response was only received to his most recent letter, sent in October 2024, in which Moskalkova pledged to protect the rights of Tajik nationals and confirmed that the issue was being monitored by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
However, specific steps to address the situation were not disclosed.
The Tajik side’s concerns were triggered by viral videos on social media showing alleged mistreatment of migrants. In October 2024, Bobozoda sent a formal complaint to the Russian ombudsperson, highlighting concerns over law enforcement actions during document checks and poor detention conditions at border facilities.
Among the detainees were women, children, and elderly individuals who were reportedly held for extended periods without food or proper care.
Earlier in 2024, Bobozoda visited Moscow in an attempt to meet with Tajik citizens detained in connection with the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. The visit was unsuccessful, though he later discussed the matter with Moskalkova by phone.
Moskalkova acknowledged that publicly displaying images of beaten detainees was a violation of human rights and called for a thorough investigation. Bobozoda expressed hope that Russia would take concrete steps to protect the rights of Tajik migrants and prevent further incidents.
