The recent bloody attack on a concert hall near Moscow last month has left many questioning how young Tajiks are being recruited by terrorist organizations. The mother of one of the suspects in this horrific event, Muyassar Zargarova, tearfully expressed her confusion and disbelief as she recounted her son’s journey from a small village in Tajikistan to a Russian courtroom accused of terrorism.
Despite spending five years in Tajik prisons during his teenage years, Zargarova’s son never showed any signs of violent extremism, leaving his family and community shocked by the accusations against him. Many governments and terrorism experts are now investigating the factors that make Tajiks vulnerable to recruitment by groups like ISIS-K, which has seen a rise in Tajik members involved in various attacks across the globe.
Experts believe that Tajiks, who often migrate to Russia in search of better opportunities due to economic hardships in Tajikistan, are susceptible to jihadist recruiters due to discrimination, low wages, and isolation in their host country. The online recruitment efforts by ISIS-K in multiple languages, including Tajik, have targeted these vulnerable populations, inciting violence and promoting extremist ideologies.
The recent attack near Moscow, which claimed the lives of 145 people, has escalated tensions and prompted retaliatory actions by Russian authorities. Tajik migrants in Russia have faced increased scrutiny and backlash, with many questioning the role of the Russian government in addressing the root causes of radicalization among Tajik youth.
As Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon tightens his grip on power and suppresses dissent, the country’s youth are left with limited options for political expression and economic advancement. The crackdown on religious freedoms and public displays of piety has further alienated the population and fueled grievances that extremist groups like ISIS-K exploit for recruitment purposes.
While the global community grapples with the threat of terrorism and extremism, it is imperative to address the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to radicalization among vulnerable populations like Tajik migrants. The future of Tajikistan and its youth depends on effective measures to combat extremism while promoting inclusivity, economic opportunity, and political dialogue.