Do Russians dislike Uzbeks? Interview with Bekmurodov

Russian deputy Sergey Mironov's comments have stirred reactions in Uzbekistan, reflecting growing tensions over Uzbek migrants who refuse to participate in military operations.

On October 16, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Kazan issued a warning to Uzbeks against joining foreign military campaigns, stating that those returning after fighting on behalf of Russia would face penalties.

This warning seemed to provoke Mironov, who questioned, "Can't you protect the country that feeds you?"

This statement was met with criticism, including a response from Bobur Bekmurodov with QALAMPIR.UZ, chairman of the "Yuksalish" movement and deputy of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan.

Bekmurodov supported the Consulate General's warning, emphasizing its legality and necessity.

"Our consulate must protect against illegal activities. This warning is both legal and fair. We need more such calls," he said. Article 154 of the Uzbek Criminal Code prescribes up to five years of imprisonment for citizens who join foreign military services, including police and other law enforcement agencies. "Uzbekistan has the right to protect its citizens from legal violations," Bekmurodov added.

Bekmurodov stressed the need for unity against external pressures. He pointed out that aggressive statements from some Russian politicians harm bilateral relations. Addressing the question of whether Russians harbor negative feelings towards Uzbeks. 

"Most of those who express such opinions are from an older generation. Inter-parliamentary and inter-governmental relations between Uzbekistan and Russia are improving. Younger, progressive colleagues in Russia do not share these views. The current statements reflect an old-fashioned worldview," he said.

Responding to Mironov's remark that "we feed you," Bekmurodov highlighted the economic contributions of Uzbek migrants.

"Our compatriots work honestly in Russia and pay taxes. For instance, migrants pay a 30% income tax before obtaining a work permit, which drops to 13% with a patent. In the Tomsk region alone, migrants paid 115 million rubles in taxes in six months. Across the Federation, Central Asian migrants bring in billions of rubles, contributing significantly to the economy," he noted.

In 2023, Mironov criticized Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan for prosecuting citizens who fought in Ukraine. Bekmurodov responded strongly then and continued to counter such remarks. Recently, the Uzbek Senate approved the law "On Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan Regarding the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons", prompting questions on whether Mironov's influence was noteworthy.

"Mironov does not shape Russian politics or public opinion. However, this doesn’t mean we should ignore his comments. Responses should be proportionate. If a faction leader makes a statement, a counterpart of equal rank should respond. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs need not lower itself to address remarks from politicians of such standing. Uzbekistan has a 3,000-year history of statehood and should maintain its dignity," Bekmurodov concluded.