Figures about Uzbek citizens serving sentences in Russian prisons have attracted significant public attention. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the majority of them are deprived of liberty for crimes related to narcotics.
Munira Nizomova, head of the department of the Consular and Legal Department, emphasized that currently 60 percent of our compatriots serving sentences in Russian prisons have been found guilty specifically of illegal drug trafficking and transportation. In addition, 12 percent were convicted of sexual violence, 7 percent of murder, about 5 percent of causing serious bodily harm, 4 percent of theft, and 3 percent of various cases of fraud.
These figures once again demonstrate how pressing the issue of offenses among Uzbeks working in Russia remains. Experts believe that such cases are often linked to difficult working and living conditions, a lack of legal literacy, and in some cases, the desire to bypass the requirements of the law.
Munira Nizomova also drew attention to another important issue. According to her, cases of prolonged checks and detentions of Uzbek passengers at Russian airports are frequent. In some instances, citizens remain under control for 6–8 hours, and in certain cases, even up to 10–12 hours. This is usually explained by shortcomings in documentation and non-compliance with rules.
Experts note that by improving the legal knowledge of citizens working abroad and strengthening advisory and support systems, such negative situations can be prevented.
Thus, the situation concerning Uzbeks in Russian prisons is seen not only as a legal but also as a social problem. This underlines the need to take more effective measures in this direction in the future.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
