Experts doubt sincerity of Ramzan Kadyrov's denial of plans on "spiritual-moral certification"

In Chechnya, officials had serious plans to hold "spiritual-moral certification" of young people. However, after the resonance in the media, the Chechen leader has abandoned the idea for the sake of his political reputation. This opinion was expressed by experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The website of the Chechen Parliament has published the information stating that in Chechnya, under the Ramzan Kadyrov's decision, every person in the age from 14 to 35 years old should report about personal religious views and tribal affiliation within the programme of "spiritual-moral certification". However, Ramzan Kadyrov has denied the information.

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, the project director for Northern Caucasus of the International Crisis Group, believes that the above mentioned initiative was really under consideration, but after the information about it was spread by the media, the Kremlin "smoothed" Ramzan Kadyrov.

According to Varvara Pakhomenko, a researcher for the International Crisis Group, Chechnya regularly faces appearances of documents regulating the moral and religious issues, forms of clothes and social activities.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the leader of the Committee "Civil Assistance", has called the idea of "moral and spiritual certification" a "stupid reference to the Middle Ages" in violation of the Constitution of Russia.

According to Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, the introduction of certification would result in negative consequences and severe irritation in the society, taking into account "the pride of Chechens who have a keen sense of self-esteem."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.