After the arrest of Tajik citizens suspected of a terrorist attack at the "Crocus City Hall," citizens of Tajikistan in Russian cities faced hatred and aggression, while law enforcement increased checks on people with "Eastern appearance."
People are refusing to take taxis with drivers from Tajikistan, and Tajik diaspora leaders are advising their compatriots not to leave their homes in the evenings. Several examples of how Russians reacted to the terrorist attack and the news that Tajik citizens are suspected in the "Crocus" attack have been collected.
The day after the attack at the "Crocus City Hall," names of the suspects detained by law enforcement appeared on social media. One of them, 19-year-old Mukhammadsobir Fayzov, had worked at a barbershop in the city of Teikovo, Ivanovo region. Upon learning this, locals began threatening the salon's administrator and staff.
Screenshots published by the Telegram channel Baza show users suggesting to "come in a crowd" to the barbershop and threatening to identify and burn the homes of the employees. The comments were likely made in the barbershop's unofficial VKontakte community, which no longer exists.
However, an official post on the barbershop's wall on March 23 mentioned the "wild hatred" directed at the salon, with threats and negative reviews.
The barbershop staff claimed that Fayzov had worked there for a few weeks and had been on probation since November 2023, with no contact maintained after. The post was later deleted, and the public page became closed.
The salon's director, Yamina Safiyeva, stated that they were receiving threats via phone calls and messages. She mentioned that nothing suspicious had been noticed about Fayzov by the staff.
In Yekaterinburg, patrols started stopping men with "Eastern appearance," and a shopping center administration requested information on employees from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Furthermore, some taxi service users began refusing rides with Tajik drivers, as shown in screenshots shared on Telegram channels.
Tajik diaspora leaders advised their compatriots to stay home after work and avoid mass events. Some employers requested personal data from their Tajik employees, such as full names, passport details, and addresses.
Tajik model and blogger Dina Sayeva expressed support for her compatriots, emphasizing the need to unite against terrorism, not blame entire nations for acts of violence.
Deputy of the State Duma Konstantin Zatulin stated that those inciting violence and vigilantism post-attack should be held accountable, as they contribute to internal destabilization. He warned that combating migrants in such a manner could lead to further escalation.
