In St. Petersburg, Tajikistan citizen detained for alleged abuse of minors amid religious activities
A court in St. Petersburg ordered the detention of Sharofiddin Rakhmatov, a citizen of Tajikistan, as part of a continuing investigation into allegations of torture involving underage students. The case has drawn attention to the conduct of foreign nationals who come to Russia to engage in religious education and missionary work, and to the broader issue of safeguarding rights and welfare of minors in such settings.
According to investigators, four minors were subjected to physical pain and mental distress during May in an apartment on Sadovaya Street, where the accused allegedly carried out a form of religious instruction described as education. The evidence indicates a pattern of abuse characterized by personal hostility that escalated into humiliating and beating the young people entrusted to the defendant. The accused is said to have conducted these activities with a sense of personal grievance and a perceived authority within the group being taught, raising concerns about the safety and supervision of children in unregulated environments.
The detention occurred on Wednesday, May 24, and the following day Rakhmatov reportedly admitted to violations of laws governing freedom of conscience and religious associations. The investigation has established that he, along with two other men, Dinçer, a Turkish national, and Agayev, an Azerbaijani national, led group prayers on Fridays with the aim of introducing participants to a religious association not registered in Russia, of which Rakhmatov is listed as a member. The men stated that they had come to the Russian Federation for a fixed period to pursue missionary work from a rented apartment that was prepared to accommodate their activities and the minors who lived there for religious instruction.
As a result of the proceedings, the trio was found to have committed an administrative offense related to their religious activities, and each was fined 30,000 rubles. They were also subjected to deportation from the country as part of the sanctions. The legal process continues, with the detention extended for Rakhmatov through July 23 to ensure that the ongoing preliminary investigation, initiated under Article 117 of the Criminal Code, can be completed without hindrance. Authorities are expected to examine the case further, including the roles of the other two individuals, and to determine if additional charges may follow based on the outcome of the investigation.
The news comes amid broader concerns about foreign missionaries operating within Russia and the oversight of religious organizations, particularly those that are not formally registered. In cases like this, investigators stress the importance of protecting minors from potential harm and ensuring that any religious instruction provided to children takes place within transparent, regulated frameworks that safeguard their welfare and rights. The authorities have indicated their intention to review similar cases and to enforce existing laws designed to prevent the exploitation or mistreatment of young people under the guise of religious activity.
Meanwhile, separate local reports noted a separate mental health incident involving a British national who moved to Russia and became homeless in Moscow. This development underscores the wider social and humanitarian complexities that can accompany migration and urban life in large cities, where mental health support systems and housing stability are often tested by rapid changes in population and circumstance.
As the investigation unfolds, observers will be watching for updates on the status of the suspects, the potential for additional charges, and the implications for international collaboration on safeguarding children in contexts related to religion and education. The case highlights the ongoing tension between religious freedom and child protection, and it serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to ensure that all minors are shielded from harm, regardless of the setting or the individuals involved.