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Police raid

Uzbek Singer Concert Raided in Krasnoyarsk by Russian Guard

A concert by Uzbek singer Jaloliddin Ahmadaliyev in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk region was abruptly interrupted when officers from the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) raided the venue with sniffer dogs and began conducting mass document checks. According to Russian state media RIA Novosti, the raid took place on September 22 at the Korona banquet hall in the Yemelyanovo district. Authorities said the operation was aimed at identifying foreign nationals in violation of migration laws and individuals potentially linked to drug trafficking. More than 600 people attended the event, and officers reportedly checked the documents of 620 individuals, including 210 foreign citizens. Witnesses said some attendees were forcibly removed from the venue, but no illegal substances or contraband were discovered during the sweep. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident, stating that eight Uzbek nationals were found to be in violation of Russian migration regulations. Four were fined and ordered to be deported, while the remaining four were placed in a temporary detention facility for foreign citizens in Krasnoyarsk. The ministry stated that law enforcement actions must have a legal basis and should not disrupt cultural events. The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk is providing legal assistance to the detained individuals. In a statement published via its official Telegram channel, the consulate clarified that the concert had not been coordinated with local authorities. In contrast, a previous Ahmadaliyev performance in Novosibirsk was formally approved and took place without incident. The consulate noted that the event in Krasnoyarsk was privately organized by Russian citizens in a venue not designed for large-scale cultural gatherings. While acknowledging that Russian authorities have the right to enforce migration regulations, the consulate urged that such operations not interfere with cultural events. It added that all required documentation has been submitted to local law enforcement in Krasnoyarsk for a legal review of the incident.

Police

Twelve Years On, Tajikistan’s Police Reform Struggles to Deliver Real Change

Launched in 2013, Tajikistan’s police reform aimed to modernize law enforcement, increase transparency, and build public trust. Twelve years later, while some progress is acknowledged, experts say the main objectives remain largely unfulfilled. Signs of Progress Sadriddin Saidov, chairman of the Sughd regional branch of the Bar Association, notes improved accessibility to law enforcement. “Now citizens can file complaints through hotlines or electronically, which means people can reach out at any time,” he said. In remote areas, mobile police units, minibuses outfitted as service offices, now provide legal consultations and assistance. Gulchehra Kholmatova, Head of the Legal Assistance Group of the Civil Society Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, said there is increasing dialogue between civil society and the state. NGOs are more frequently invited to discuss human rights issues and, in some cases, are granted access to detention centers. Recent legislative changes have guaranteed detainees access to legal counsel and introduced safeguards against abuse. With international support, Tajik police officers now undergo human rights training aimed at preventing torture. Human rights advocate Larisa Aleksandrova cites specific gains in addressing domestic violence. The number of inspectors focused on preventing family violence has risen from 14 to 22, improving the registration and response to complaints. “The number of appeals to police regarding domestic violence has risen, and case registration has improved,” she said. Where the Reform Falls Short Yet many argue these reforms are more cosmetic than structural. Lawyer Bakhtiyor Nasrulloev contends the process resembles “degradation” rather than progress. “Access to local police stations has become more complicated due to multi-level controls and guards. This creates the impression that the police are distancing themselves from society, not moving closer,” he said. Nasrulloev criticized the reform as superficial, focusing on new uniforms and rebranding without addressing systemic issues. Kholmatova notes that public oversight of detention facilities remains weak, and torture cases often go unpunished. Aleksandrova adds that the reform slogan, “My police protect me,” has yet to become reality. “Nothing changes fundamentally. Even those who want to work honestly are constrained by a rigid system of control and subordination,” she said. Experts point to lingering Soviet-era practices, where success is measured by the number of cases opened rather than investigative quality. For Saidov, a key obstacle is low public engagement. “Reforms will succeed only if citizens actively express their opinions and proposals,” he said. Aleksandrova also highlights insufficient gender sensitivity in police responses to discrimination and domestic violence. What Experts Propose To move forward, Nasrulloev has called for a major restructuring that would separate investigative bodies from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and remove them from prosecutorial control. He also suggested making district inspectors and patrol officers accountable to local governments to better address community needs. He recommended merging overlapping departments, including criminal investigations, drug control, and organized crime units, to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency. Kholmatova highlighted the need for independent monitoring, greater transparency, and training that follows international human rights standards. Aleksandrova proposed mandatory video recordings of interrogations and the...

Foreign Affairs

Uzbekistan Raises Concerns Over Mistreatment of Citizens During Russian Raids

Uzbekistan has expressed serious concern over the reported mistreatment of its citizens during recent police raids in Russia. On June 10, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a scheduled meeting with Russian officials to discuss migration issues. A ministry spokesperson stated that the Uzbek side raised alarm over reports of disrespectful and aggressive behavior toward its nationals during identity checks. “In several instances, our citizens have faced unauthorized inspections and mistreatment,” the ministry said. “Such actions do not correspond to the friendly relations between our countries. We believe that concrete measures must be taken to prevent such incidents.” The ministry emphasized that safeguarding the rights and interests of Uzbek citizens abroad remains a priority. It urged Russian authorities to treat migrants with dignity and adhere to international human rights standards. The concerns follow a large-scale raid on June 8 in Moscow’s Strogino district, where Russian law enforcement reportedly targeted a dormitory housing migrants from other Eurasian countries. The building is located near a facility belonging to the Russian Defense Ministry, according to the Russian Telegram channel Baza. During the operation, members of OMON, Russia’s special police forces under the National Guard, were seen using excessive force. Videos, some filmed by the officers themselves, show migrants being forcibly removed from their rooms, insulted, beaten, and in some instances, shocked with electric devices. The nationalities of those affected have not been confirmed. In a separate incident in St. Petersburg, approximately 200 individuals were reportedly left to sleep outdoors overnight following a similar raid. In response to these events, the Uzbek embassy in Moscow submitted an official note to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting an explanation and a legal assessment of the law enforcement actions. The embassy described the incidents as unacceptable and called on Russian authorities to uphold the dignity of Uzbek nationals. Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency also issued a statement affirming it was closely monitoring the situation. It confirmed that five or six individuals with documentation issues had been detained for further investigation. The Foreign Ministry said it would continue to track developments and take further action if necessary. Uzbek authorities have encouraged citizens affected by these events to contact their nearest consulate or the Migration Agency's office in Russia.

Crime

United Arab Emirates: 3 Uzbek Citizens Arrested in Rabbi Killing

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested three Uzbek citizens in the killing of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi, the UAE’s Ministry of Interior said Monday. Israel described the killing as an act of antisemitic terrorism. The suspects in the death of Zvi Kogan were identified as Olympi Tohirovich and Makhmodjon Abdulraheem, both 28, as well as 33-year-old Azizbek Kamlovich, according to the UAE ministry. It said a murder investigation was underway and the matter will be referred to public prosecutors. The ministry commended security forces for “their efficiency in addressing attempts to undermine the safety and stability of the UAE community.” The ministry posted photos of the suspects, showing them blindfolded, handcuffed and wearing blue detention clothing. Kogan, the envoy of the ultra-Orthodox Chabad-Lubavitch movement to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, was killed after being abducted on Thursday and his body was recovered early Sunday morning, according to Chabad.org. Kogan’s funeral was held in Israel on Monday. “The murder of Zvi Kogan, of blessed memory, is an abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism,” Israel said in a statement. “The State of Israel will use all means and will deal with the criminals responsible for his death to the fullest extent of the law.” There were no immediate public statements from Uzbek authorities.

Security

Kazakhstan’s Police Step Up Patrols Near Synagogues and Israeli Diplomatic Facilities

In Kazakhstan, police have intensified patrolling near synagogues and Israeli diplomatic facilities. This was reported on October 2 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to Shyngys Alekeshev, head of the ministry's department of information policy, the embassy facilities are, as before, under constant police protection, ensuring their safety in the current situation. “All religious sites have also long been under the control of the IAB; patrol routes are closer to these sites. Additionally, video monitoring of the adjacent territory is carried out through the DSC cameras,” he said. On the night of October 1 to 2, Iran fired rockets at the territory of Israel in response to the Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon and the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. According to the Iranian side, this was only the first wave of the attack, targeting key Israeli military and strategic sites. Earlier, it was reported that Iran was planning to use ballistic missiles in the attack, drawing a sharp reaction from the US. The White House has warned Iran of possible severe consequences if the aggression continues. The Israeli operation in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah facilities, resulted in significant casualties, with 95 people killed and another 172 wounded. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has already condemned the airstrike on the residence of the head of the UAE's diplomatic mission in Sudan and called for restraint by urging the parties to resolve conflicts through diplomatic methods.

Security Police Pakistan Legislation Migration Bangladesh Bishkek Unrest

Mass Brawl Between Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh Reported in Bishkek

Bishkek police have detained 36 foreigners after a mass brawl, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to law enforcement, on June 11th, a mass brawl was reported between Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens after a verbal altercation, following which participants involved in the scuffle were taken to a police station to clarify the incident's circumstances. Administrative protocols were drawn up for 16 foreigners who violated the rules of residence in Kyrgyzstan. One of the participants in the brawl was found guilty under the article “Petty Hooliganism.” The court fined him 5,500 KGS ($60). Two more people were arrested for three days for being in a state of alcoholic intoxication. TCA previously reported that on May 17th, riots occurred in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, provoked by a conflict between residents and medical students from abroad. Since these tragic events, the authorities have been employing a dual approach of attempting to sooth relations abroad whilst conducting raids on places where foreigners reside.