Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
MOSCOW, Russia – The Russian foreign affairs ministry has released a report detailing numerous alleged violations of the rights of citizens in foreign countries, raising concerns about discrimination, harassment, and restrictions on freedoms.
The report, titled: “On Violations of the Rights of Russian Citizens and Fellow Citizens in Foreign Countries,” highlights a growing trend of “Russophobia” globally. It cites instances of discrimination against Moscow citizens in various sectors, including education, employment, and access to essential services.
The report also expresses concern over the “cancel culture” phenomenon, stating that it has led to the exclusion of Russian culture, including art, music, and literature, from global platforms. “Calls to exclude the Russian ballet, literature, and music from the global cultural heritage are pronounced on the highest level,” the report states.
Furthermore, the report criticises the treatment of the country’s diplomats and consular missions in some countries, alleging they face undue restrictions and harassment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that these violations are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader trend of discrimination and intolerance towards Russia and its citizens. The report states, “Refusals to provide a wide range of services like educational, healthcare, banking, and others; introduction of measures targeting Russian business; attachment of Russian citizens’ property; coercion to public repentance acts; and condemnation of the Russian” are becoming increasingly common.
The report attributes this shift to several factors, including the influx of Ukrainian refugees, the activities of some Ukrainian nationalist organisations, and the dissemination of biased and negative narratives about Russia in the Spanish media. The report cites the example of Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who, in a conversation with pranksters in June 2022, allegedly expressed support for “punishing the Russian bastards.”
The report documents a range of alleged human rights violations faced by Moscow citizens in Spain, including discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare services; financial restrictions such as the mass blocking of bank accounts; social and psychological harassment, including bullying of Russian-speaking children; and restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, with the report criticising the “total cleansing” of the Spanish media space of Moscow media outlets.
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Furthermore, the report criticises the treatment of Moscow diplomats and consular missions in Spain, alleging they face undue restrictions and harassment.
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledges the efforts of compatriot associations in Spain, which have organised events celebrating Victory Day and aimed at preserving Russian culture and historical memory.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to continue monitoring these situations and to take appropriate diplomatic measures to protect the rights and interests of Russian citizens abroad.
