Call of Chechen law enforcers to stay at home outrages Instagram users

A video appeal of law enforcers from the Gudermes District about the need of self-isolation is unconvincing, because they had not lost their salaries and the ability to feed their families, commentators on the Instagram and residents of Chechnya have pointed out.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 29, Ramzan Kadyrov instructed to tighten control over people's movement. Locals criticized the tight control over those who leave home. On May 5, Magomed Daudov, Speaker of Chechen Parliament, announced the "mask regime" in Chechnya. On May 7, he accused Chechen women of violating quarantine and hoping for law enforcers' special attitude.

"Who will feed families of those whom you urge to stay at home?" the user zrob_777 has asked on the Instagram.

Such law enforcers' appeals are unconvincing, said Isa, a resident of Grozny. "It's easy to persuade people to stay home, when they have regular incomes and can maintain their families. And what should I personally do? I've been sitting at home for two months; I'm running out of food; and I have no money. And this situation is not only with me, but also with many people," he has stated.

A woman from Grozny named Kakha agrees with him. "Every day, policemen through loudspeakers call us not to go out. It's easy for them – they have no problems of ordinary people, no, they can go wherever they want. But we go shopping like to war – looking around and fearing to meet a policeman," the woman said.