Body of migrant beaten by OMON remains in Russia for over a month

Earlier, on January 2, it was reported that a labor migrant from Samarkand had died in Russia as a result of alleged torture carried out by officers of the Special Purpose Mobile Unit (OMON). Although the incident occurred on December 12, 2025, information about it only became public after the New Year.

To clarify further details, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted Akhror Burkhanov, spokesperson for Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to him, the deceased man’s body is still being held in the Russian Federation and is scheduled to be sent to Uzbekistan on January 11.

“The body will be sent to Uzbekistan on Sunday. On Monday, representatives of Uzbekistan will meet with officials in Khabarovsk to discuss the circumstances surrounding the death of the Samarkand citizen,” Burkhanov said.

When asked how the body would be repatriated and who would cover the associated expenses, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that a special fund had been established for such cases. If the deceased person’s relatives face financial difficulties, the costs will be covered by the state.

Uzbek migrant killed in Russia

Reports have circulated that a labor migrant from Samarkand died in Russia’s Khabarovsk city after being subjected to violence by officers of the Special Purpose Mobile Unit (OMON). Although the incident reportedly took place on December 12, 2025, information about it emerged only on January 2, 2026.

According to available information, special forces officers raided one of the cafes and used force against Uzbek nationals who were present there. As a result, two individuals sustained serious bodily injuries and fell into a coma. One of them died several days later. Information about the condition of the second victim has not been officially confirmed. As of now, the deceased person’s body has not yet been returned to Uzbekistan.

In connection with the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan issued an official statement through its spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov.

According to the ministry, the Consulate General is maintaining constant contact with the deceased man’s relatives and is providing the necessary consular and practical assistance. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate the body.

In addition, official notes have been sent to the Prosecutor’s Office of Khabarovsk Krai, the regional investigative authorities, and the local office of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, requesting a comprehensive, impartial, and lawful investigation into the incident.

Following the incident, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis and leader of the Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, Alisher Qodirov, called on Uzbek labor migrants in Russia to urgently leave the country.