Russian police assault Kyrgyz citizens in Moscow; Kyrgyzstan summons envoy, demands accountability

An official note was handed to the Russian envoy, requesting clarification on the legal grounds for the operation conducted at the bathhouse and justification for the use of force against detained Kyrgyz nationals. The note stressed that if the use of force is found to be unjustified, disciplinary measures must be taken against the law enforcement officers involved.

Kyrgyz authorities also urged that measures be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future – incidents that could damage the alliance and strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. The rights of Kyrgyz citizens must be protected, the statement said.

The incident took place overnight on April 11 at the “Bodrost” bathhouse in Moscow, a popular venue among Kyrgyz migrants. During the raid, numerous Kyrgyz nationals were arrested and subjected to physical violence.

A Facebook user named Mirzhan Balibayev, who witnessed the raid, described the traumatic event:

“People came to relax after work, but instead of bathing and steaming, they were ambushed by riot police. There was shouting, beatings, people forced face-down to the floor like animals. Many were left with large bruises and dark marks. This was not an inspection – it was torture,” he wrote, posting a video of the OMON raid on his page.

According to reports, the alleged reason for the raid was that the bathhouse administration had been denying access to local Russian residents.

The Kazakh news outlet Ulysmedia.kz reported that around 60 Kyrgyz nationals were present during the raid. Eyewitnesses say police officers beat those gathered at the bathhouse. A man named Alikhan, who works as a taxi driver in Moscow, recounted that he had gone to the bathhouse with his uncle and cousin on the night of April 10. About 30 minutes later, the door was broken down and chaos erupted.

“People panicked and tried to escape. We tried to run too, but no one was allowed to leave. Then they began beating everyone. We couldn’t even see who was hitting us. They wouldn’t let anyone raise their heads. They had batons and electric shock devices. Everyone was driven into the kitchen. Stronger-looking men were separated from those who appeared weaker or thinner. Those with beards were taken away separately. One man even had his beard shaved off on the spot. When he resisted, they punched him in the face. We didn’t understand why we were being beaten – no one even asked for documents. One man stood up to ask why this was happening. They replied, ‘We just don’t like you,’” he said.

According to Alikhan, it was only after five hours that senior police officers arrived at the scene.

Member of Parliament Janar Akaev also shared footage and photos from the incident on Facebook.

“Compatriots, how is it acceptable that a group of riot police stormed a bathhouse owned by a Kyrgyz businessman in Moscow and savagely beat our fellow citizens? Where is the response from our authorities, the foreign ministry, the embassy? Just recently, they stormed the building of another Kyrgyz entrepreneur and beat people worse than criminals or terrorists. We are a member of the EAEU, we are allies, strategic partners – and yet we silently watch our citizens being beaten?” the MP wrote.

He emphasized that the public must be informed about what happened, and those responsible must be held accountable.