Russia responds to a note from Uzbekistan regarding migrant abuse

Uzbekistan recently sent a diplomatic note to Russia concerning the brutal treatment and human rights violations reportedly committed by Russian security forces against Uzbek migrant workers. In the note, Tashkent requested a legal assessment of the actions of Russian law enforcement agencies.

In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the Russian side is carefully reviewing the contents of the note. The information has been forwarded to the relevant Russian authorities, and official findings will be transmitted to Uzbekistan following established procedures.

“In connection with the receipt of the note from the Uzbek Embassy, we are carefully studying the information it contains. I would like to note that we have direct communication channels through law enforcement and other services. As is customary between allies, the conversation is open, and any signal is carefully considered. The appeal of the Uzbek side will be conveyed to the competent authorities. The objective information received will be transferred to our partners through official channels,” Zakharova said.

She emphasized that Russia and Uzbekistan maintain a strong allied and comprehensive strategic partnership, and all bilateral issues are handled within this framework.

The note follows the circulation of a disturbing video on social media earlier this week, which appeared to show Russian security forces conducting a violent raid on migrants at a facility belonging to the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. The incident, which took place on June 8, showed officers beating, kicking, insulting, and forcibly removing migrants from the premises.

The representative office of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation also responded to the incident. According to the agency, they are awaiting official information from the Russian law enforcement bodies. Both the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Moscow and the agency’s representative office are closely monitoring the situation.

Commenting on the broader issue, Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, pointed out that due to the country’s rapidly growing population, rising by nearly 1 million annually, Uzbekistan has been compelled to send its workforce abroad. However, he recommended that alternative destinations be considered rather than Russia.