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I am an individual of Indian (person from India) descent. I have been asked by my company to travel to Russia later this year to carry out a market survey related to consumer durables. I will have to spend around 3 months in Russia, especially in Moscow, Volgograd,Vladivostok & Saint Petersburg.

However, based on information provided by various Western media groups related to safety in Russia, it seems any individual who is not White can be targeted in Russia by Neo-Nazis, Neo-Fascist and skinhead groups. Moreover it seems law enforcing authorities in Russia also harass dark skinned people.

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/10/why-russia-is-growing-more-xenophobic/280766/

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/370083/racism-runs-deep-russia-cody-boutilier

The US state department in its travel advisory pertaining to Russia states:

Incidents of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities regularly occur throughout the Russian Federation. Travelers should exercise caution wherever large crowds have gathered. U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African, South Asian, or East Asian descent, or those who, because of their complexion, are perceived to be from the Caucasus region or the Middle East. These U.S. citizens are also at risk for harassment by police authorities.

Similarly the Canadian Government in its travel advisory regarding Russia states:

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and attacks are prevalent, especially for foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died.

I also came across a RT video that spoke about how an Indian student was stabbed to death in Moscow by skinheads.

So, I have two questions in this regard:

(1) What are the chances of physical violence against people, who are not of European descent?

(2) Is it difficult to find accommodation in cities like Moscow if you are not European?

CSinha
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1 Answers1

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Each time I see such questions, I feel very frustrated. I'm from Russia, and I can't do anything to remove such articles, but I try to do my best to explain that people here, in Russia, aren't as xenophobic and dangerous as you can read in press.

Did you hear about the story regarding the afroamerican been shot by police in USA some time ago? Does it mean that every cop in USA is dangerous for you if your skin isn't white? No, it doesn't.

Similar, not all the police here in Russia is corrupt and will trying to harrass you. Not all the bald guys will try to kill you. Not all the soldiers will beat you, and so on. Most people here are completely indifferent to your skin. Moreover, they'll try to help you even if they do not understand you.

The only thing you should think about is to be careful. Dark streets are dangerous in all the countries. Night clubs with alcohol can get you into trouble in all the countries. You can met a thief in airport or railway station in all the countries. I suggest you to travel across the Russia with native speaker so you can understand what's going on every moment.

As the cities you've mentioned, Moscow and St. Petersburg are not dangerous in tourist areas. Yes, there are some districts with criminal dangers, but I'm sure that you'll never arrive into such place. Vladivostok is something different, as there is some negative from citizens to chinese people (there are a lot of illegal ones), but still a good city. Never been in Volgograd, and can't say something regarding that.

I hope everything will be ok, and you'll love my country.

VMAtm
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