Photo: TASS
Russian border guards have denied entry to citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan after discovering subscriptions on their smartphones to channels associated with terrorist and extremist organizations, as well as to radical and pro-Ukrainian public pages. This was reported by TASS, citing court documents.
One such document states that a Tajik national, Dilshod A., was not allowed to enter Russia due to subscriptions to channels featuring sermons of radical Islamic movements banned in the Russian Federation, as well as for viewing anti-Russian content.
An Uzbek citizen, Akmaljon B., was denied entry after being found to have watched content by radical religious bloggers and videos related to terrorist activity. The border service concluded that such interest posed a potential threat to national security.
Several other foreign nationals also failed border checks after subscriptions were found on their devices to pro-Ukrainian channels, video materials about the activities of Ukrainian intelligence services, and messages criticizing Russian law enforcement agencies. In some cases, individuals had attempted to delete chats in messaging apps before crossing the border.
Systematic screening was intensified following the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall concert venue on March 22, 2024. Since then, according to court documents, more than 20 citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have tried to challenge their entry bans, citing intentions to work in Russia or visit relatives. However, courts have upheld the decisions made by border officials.
