Israeli nationals subjected to five-hour detention and interrogation in Moscow
Russian security forces detained and interrogated at least 40 Israeli citizens at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport on Sunday, April 19. The group, arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv, included both dual Russian-Israeli nationals and those holding only Israeli passports.
According to reports from Mediazona, the travelers were held for approximately five hours under restrictive conditions. Witnesses stated they were denied access to water, food, and basic sanitary facilities during the ordeal.
Authorities reportedly pressured the detainees to unlock their mobile devices. When passengers refused, officials demanded that the phones be powered off before commencing individual interrogations.
During these sessions, some travelers were accused of involvement in the conflict with Iran. Security personnel reportedly told the detainees that Russia considers Iran a strategic ally, stating: "Iran’s enemy is our enemy."
The Russian officials explicitly warned the group that their presence in Moscow was "unwanted." Despite the initial hostility, the detainees were eventually released after signing formal warnings regarding compliance with local laws.
Witnesses noted that the authorities' demeanor shifted significantly toward the end of the process. The aggressive tone was replaced by a calm, formal administrative procedure as the citizens were finally allowed to leave the airport.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
