Unauthorized raid by nationalists against hijabs in Russia

In Novosibirsk, participants of the far-right nationalist group “Russian National Guard” organized an unauthorized raid “against hijabs.”

Russian nationalists conducted an unauthorized raid at the Khilok market in Novosibirsk, including several cafes and restaurants, as well as at the pharmacy “Melody of Health,” where they encountered a female pharmacist whose headscarf reminded them of a hijab. They demanded that she remove it and “not incite hatred.” The video was posted online, sparking a heated discussion.

Representatives of the “Russian National Guard” also began leaving negative reviews about the pharmacy on the Flamp and 2GIS services.

Russian nationalists believe that hijabs are worn “only by radical Islamists,” and this is unacceptable among Russian Muslims.

“Russia is not a village! It is a secular state! In aul, wearing a hijab is allowed, but not in Russia! The conditions for such ‘beauties’ should be strict — either remove the hijab and continue working in a civilized country, or there is no job and place for her in our society! Or is it not enough for you what happened in Crocus City Hall?” — wrote the organizers of the raid.

The “Center for Support of Public and Civil Initiatives” complained about the raid of the Russian nationalists to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Novosibirsk. They referred to the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

However, it is unclear whether the nationalists will be held accountable. Since this “raid” by Russian nationalists on a woman’s hijab occurred against the backdrop of a bloody incident at “Crocus City Hall,” Islamophobia and xenophobia towards migrants, especially Tajik migrants, have intensified in Russia.

People from Tajikistan in various cities and regions of Russia report that after this incident, the number of raids, arrests, and deportations of Tajiks has increased, and the attitude of residents and employers has changed. They are subjected to verbal and physical attacks from the police and even ordinary residents.

Even Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at an extended meeting of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that Russia needs to update its approaches to migration policy and instructed to tighten control over migrants.