MOSCOW, May 29 (RAPSI) – Data provided by sociological research indicated normalization of interethnic relationships in Russia within last four years, a member of the Presidential Council of Human Rights Alexander Brod said during a conference on prevention of extremism on Tuesday.

According to Brod, intensity of xenophobia in Russian society is decreasing. He noted that extremely negative perception of people born in North Caucasus is also fading away.

Yet, the expert stated that risks related to conflicts occurring due to religious or ethnic conflicts remain. Consequences of these risks are terrorism and other crimes.

Brod cited data obtained by researchers showing that in January-May of this year nine instances of aggressive xenophobia and extremism were registered in several regions of Russia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Dagestan Republic. As a result of these incidents sixteen people were hurt, six died and ten were injured. Xenophobia-motivated vandalism was registered in twelve regions.