Chechnya significantly cuts Olympic Torch Relay route

The Chechen authorities have reduced the Olympic Torch Relay route in the republic from 34 to 16 kilometres and reduced the number of viewers, who will be involved in the festive event.

An official from the Chechen Ministry of Sports has emphasized that the Olympic Torch Relay route is designed "to maximize the beauty of the show" of the Chechen capital. The list of torchbearers includes Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, the heads of some ministries and departments, well-known athletes, and public figures. According to the plan, the Olympic Flame will be delivered to Chechnya from Dagestan.

Officials from the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) note that on the day of the Olympic Torch Relay, car traffic in central Grozny will be limited. Safety of participants of the festive event will be ensured by several thousands of law enforcers.

Some people treat the event as a "landmark event"; while the others say that such events contradict the norm of their religion.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 21, the Olympic Torch Relay in Volgograd was held with enhanced security measures.

On January 23, the Stavropol Territory became the first region in Northern Caucasus, which held the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Olympic Torch Relay will be completed by the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sochi to be held on February 7, 2014.