Terror attack sparks backlash against Central Asian immigrants in Russia

In March 2024, a devastating terrorist attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall entertainment center just outside Moscow, leaving over 140 people dead and more than 550 injured. This incident is considered one of the most severe attacks to strike Russia in years and has prompted widespread fear and outrage among citizens. The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), an affiliate of the global terrorist organization, claimed responsibility for this heinous act, leading to significant concerns regarding the recruitment and influence of extremist groups among Central Asians. Following the attack, the Russian government initiated a crackdown on Central Asian immigrants, particularly those from Tajikistan, with the trial of 19 suspects starting today. The individuals facing charges include the four men accused of committing the attack, all Tajik nationals, and 15 alleged accomplices who are accused of training and participating in the terror attack. The initial court appearances of the suspects raised alarm due to reports of physical abuse, bringing attention not only to the severity of the crime but also to the subsequent surge in ethnic profiling and discrimination against Central Asians in Russia. Ethnic profiling and arbitrary arrests have escalated in the aftermath of the Crocus City Hall incident, resulting in public backlash against the approximately 3.3 million Central Asian migrant workers that contribute significantly to the Russian economy. This backlash has heightened instances of xenophobia and violence, as evidenced by reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) detailing coordinated assaults against Central Asian men by groups of predominantly Slavic young men. The Russian authorities, instead of addressing these violent acts, have focused on increasing their control over migrant labor through new legislation that grants police more authority to expel migrants without requiring a court order. The Kremlin has indicated plans to implement a new system this September that will incorporate biometric registration and location tracking for managing migrant workers. This initiative seems to reflect a growing sentiment within Russian society to tighten national security and social order, especially in light of the recent terror attack. The Crocus City Hall incident stands out in modern Russian history, comparable only to the tragic Beslan school siege of 2004. The implications of the attack on Central Asian immigrants could lead to lasting tensions and challenges, raising critical questions about integration, security, and the treatment of minorities in Russia moving forward.