Press Release, 16.04.2025

Photo: Screenshot of a video recording from one of the CCTV cameras of the bath complex during the raid

Nikolai Rybakov, Chairman of the Yabloko party, and Maxim Kruglov, the authorized representative of the Moscow branch of Yabloko, sent an appeal to the Public Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov demanding an urgent and thorough investigation of the actions of law enforcement agencies during the detention of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic on 10 April in a bath complex in Moscow. In the event of violations, Yabloko insists on taking prosecutorial response measures.

Earlier, a video of a violent raid appeared on the Internet, during which citizens of Kyrgyzstan were subjected to harsh treatment. According to open sources, physical force was unjustifiably used against them, and special means were used – batons and stun guns, one of the detainees had his beard forcibly shaved.

On 14 April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic sent a note of protest to Russia asking for evidence of the legality of the actions of the security forces.

Yabloko believes that such actions contradict the legislation of the Russian Federation, violate the principle of equality before the law, undermine trust in government agencies and harm international relations.

“We oppose unlawful and inhumane actions by security forces. Such incidents not only discredit the Russian law enforcement system, but also harm the future of our country – especially given the friendly relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan,” the statement runs.

The statement also emphasises that such actions may contribute to the growth of interethnic tensions and religious conflicts, which threatens social stability within Russia.