Uzbeks who watch banned channels not allowed into Russia

Border guards in Russia are checking the phones of Uzbek and Tajik citizens and denying them entry if they are found to be subscribed to banned channels or pages. This was reported by TASS, citing more than 20 court documents.

According to one of the documents, Uzbek citizen Akmaljon B. was denied entry into Russia for watching videos of radical religious bloggers and terrorist organizations.

“The border guards, having assessed the situation, concluded that Akmaljon B. demonstrated a heightened interest in radical propagandists and posed a threat to the security of the Russian Federation,” the document stated.

In another case, Tajik citizen Dilshod A. was not allowed to pass border control after authorities found that he had subscribed to YouTube channels broadcasting sermons by representatives of radical Islamic movements banned in Russia.

“During the inspection of a voluntarily provided mobile device, it was found that he had subscribed to Islamic channels on YouTube featuring videos of radical preachers banned in the Russian Federation. Additionally, Dilshod A. had viewed content promoting anti-Russian propaganda,” the court document reads.

Several other individuals who were denied entry were found to have subscribed to pro-Ukrainian channels and viewed content critical of Russian law enforcement. For instance, one Tajik citizen had watched religious and Ukrainian videos, including material about the operations of Ukrainian intelligence services. Messages on his device also condemned the actions of Russia’s security agencies, which are conducting thorough screenings of Tajik citizens.

Some individuals reportedly tried to delete their messages on messaging apps before approaching the border.

Following the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, 2024, Russia has intensified border checks. Over the past 18 months, more than 20 citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have attempted to challenge their entry bans in court. While many claimed they simply wished to work or visit relatives in Russia, the courts upheld the decisions of the border service in every case.