Russia says more than 80 people detained for questioning after Moscow street fight

**Over 80 People Questioned Following Major Street Fight Between Migrants in Moscow**

*MOSCOW (Reuters)* – Russia’s Interior Ministry reported on Sunday that more than 80 individuals were taken to police stations for questioning following a significant street fight between migrants in a residential area of Moscow. The ministry stated that all foreigners involved in the incident would face deportation.

Russian media released videos showing people engaged in violent clashes on the street using clubs and spades. The footage also revealed the smashing of windows near parked cars around the Prokshino residential complex. However, the cause of the fight remains unclear.

According to the Interior Ministry, 19 people have been arrested on charges of hooliganism. The ministry added that migrants holding Russian citizenship risk having their citizenship revoked. Foreign nationals involved who are not imprisoned will be deported and banned from re-entry into Russia, said Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry.

Migration, particularly from former Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, has emerged as a major domestic political issue in Russia. Restrictions on migration intensified following a deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall in 2024, which Russian authorities attributed to Tajik nationals.

In 2024, approximately 6.3 million migrants arrived in Russia, according to Interior Ministry figures. Nearly half of these migrants came from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Despite Russia’s domestic economy relying heavily on affordable labor from these regions—especially in construction and consumer industries—many Russian citizens have expressed concerns. They criticize the large influx of people, noting a perceived lack of familiarity with Russian customs and culture.

Additionally, Russia has been grappling with severe labor shortages across multiple sectors since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, as hundreds of thousands of Russian workers joined the military.

*Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Ros Russell*
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russia-says-more-80-people-123257376.html