Tajik Foreign Ministry provides update on Qobiljon case in Russia

The Russian authorities have provided the Tajik government with official information regarding the investigation into the killing of 10-year-old Tajik boy Qobiljon Aliyev in Russia in December 2025, confirming that the case is under “special supervision.” This was announced on February 6 at a press conference by Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, a criminal case has been opened in Moscow by the Russian Investigative Committee. The suspect has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder under aggravating circumstances. The court has subsequently placed him in pre-trial detention.

Minister Muhriddin stated that the Russian side will provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.

Describing the tragedy as “the grief of the entire nation,” Muhriddin emphasized that the matter has been under the direct supervision of the Tajik President from the outset, and that the Foreign Ministry has taken the case under its own control.

The minister did not provide details on whether Qobiljon’s parents have been provided with legal counsel or when the trial is expected to begin.

Addressing concerns about the protection of children of Tajik labor migrants and other citizens in Russia, Muhriddin said that the ministry remains in constant contact with Russian authorities, and that comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure the safety and rights of Tajik citizens. He acknowledged that, given the size of Russia and the widespread presence of Tajik citizens, providing simultaneous assistance to all is not always straightforward, but noted that mutual understanding exists with Russian authorities.

Muhriddin added that while unfortunate incidents sometimes occur, diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries continue.

For context, Qobiljon Aliyev was brutally stabbed to death on December 16, 2025, at a school in Moscow by a 15-year-old Russian citizen. The Tajik Foreign Ministry has stated that the attack was motivated by ethnic hatred. The boy’s body was returned to Tajikistan on December 18 and buried in Shahri-nav district.

Earlier, on December 22, during an informal meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and assured that those responsible for the killing would be punished.