Lavrov explained to his Tajik colleague the reasons for inspections of his fellow citizens

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a telephone conversation with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, explained the reasons for the actions of Russian services, which also affected citizens of Tajikistan. A message about the conversation appeared on the department’s website. According to him, thorough checks of foreigners arriving in Russia are related to the prevention of terrorism and are temporary. They had to be tightened after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. Lavrov emphasized that the checks are not directed against any particular nation or religion; law enforcement officers work with everyone equally.

The conversation took place at the initiative of the Russian side. The parties, as indicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agreed on the need to take a careful approach to Russian-Tajikistan relations.

The day before, on April 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan presented a note to the Russian Ambassador in Dushanbe Semyon Grigoriev. It spoke about cases of negative attitudes towards Tajiks and violations of their rights. Prior to this, on April 27, Tajik authorities recommended that citizens refrain from traveling to Russia unless absolutely necessary.

The reason for such statements were numerous reports of Tajik citizens stuck at the border who were refused entry into Russia, while representatives of other states passed through unhindered. Also, according to media reports, interrogations and phone searches have been organized for Tajik citizens.