Rights defenders condemn Kadyrov's threats to coronavirus infected persons

The introduction of strict restrictive measures caused by the coronavirus pandemic is understandable, but the threats to kill declared by the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, to those who can infect others won't frighten the infection away, human rights defenders assert.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported upon his return from Mecca, a resident of Chechnya failed to follow the quarantine and arranged prayer meetings. Ramzan Kadyrov has accused residents of Chechnya for breaking the quarantine regime and stated that those infected deserve death.

The reaction of the head of Chechnya in relation to those with coronavirus detected is a consequence of political immoderation, said Alexei Malashenko, a political analyst, adding that he believes that the measures of strict quarantine and restrictions of travels are justified.

Alexandra Kulaeva, an expert on Eastern Europe and Central Asia, treats any calls to violence amid the spread of coronavirus as criminal.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the head of the "Civil Assistance" Committee, treats Ramzan Kadyrov's statement with threats address to coronavirus patients as "a cruelty."

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, a conflict expert, has noted that Chechnya is one of the first to understand the seriousness of the situation with the coronavirus spread. In the state of emergency, a tough power within the framework of the law is quite appropriate.

Ms Sokiryanskaya has added that the Kadyrov's threats against persons who may become a source of infection only continues the practice that has long been established in the region; and they should be taken quite seriously.