In Chechnya, all detained buyers of alcoholic beverages released

Buyers of alcoholic beverages, detained on the eve of the New Year, were released after paying fines and preventive conversations, reported residents of Chechnya. According to a lawyer, law enforcers exceed their powers while detaining people for purchase of alcoholic beverages.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Chechnya, on the eve of the New Year, law enforcers conducted raids in a hypermarket and in houses selling alcoholic beverages. About 20 buyers and sellers of alcoholic drinks were detained, reported local residents.

Local resident Magomed said that after buying alcoholic beverages, he spent the New Year's night "behind bars." "Later, we had preventive conversations with law enforcers. They say Islam prohibits drinking alcoholic drinks, harmful in all respects," Magomed has said.

Local residents have to ask soldiers or guests from other regions to buy alcoholic beverages for them, notes Yusup, a resident of Grozny.

Detention of people for buying alcohol beverages violate their rights, believes local lawyer Umar.

"It is illegal to detain citizens only for purchase of alcoholic beverages. When policemen do that, they exceed their official power. It's another thing if someone starts brawling and violates public order," the lawyer has explained.

Meanwhile, selling alcoholic beverages at home means a serious violation, the lawyer notes.

Let us remind you that the restrictions imposed on the sale of alcoholic beverages in Chechnya forced some entrepreneurs to close their businesses in the republic, but did not prevent the illegal trade in alcoholic drinks.