Social network users criticize Kadyrov and Trutnev for violating mask regime

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev visited an agricultural holding without wearing medical masks. The top-ranking officials ignore their own requirements, while local residents are fined for absence of masks, Instagram users note.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 29, Chechen authorities tightened the quarantine regime because of the aggravation of the coronavirus situation. In particular, residents were ordered to strictly observe the mask-wearing regime in public places. At the same time, in the July 31 report on the "Grozny" TV Channel, Chechen leaders, who visited Akhmat Kadyrov' grave, stood in a close circle without medical masks. Residents of Chechnya were outraged by the violation of the mask regime by the head of Chechnya and his retinue.

In its evening news broadcasted on August 5, the Chechen state-run "Grozny" TV Company reported that Ramzan Kadyrov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev, who arrived in Chechnya, visited the "YugAgroHolding" Company. In the TV report, Ramzan Kadyrov and Yuri Trutnev were visiting manufacture workshops and an exhibition of agricultural holding products without medical masks on their faces.

The report on the top-ranking officials' visit to the agricultural holding was posted in the Instagram public account "Grozny TV" late in the evening on August 5, and by 3:21 p.m. Moscow time on August 6, the post gained 44,100 views and 55 comments.

Instagram users expressed their indignation about the fact that the top-ranking officials ignored the coronavirus prevention measures. "Where are their masks?" asked user beslandzalilov. "The regime of mask wearing and keeping social distancing has been strengthened. Is that regime only for ordinary people? Do the top-ranking officials have no need to comply with it?" writes user natellakariauli. "Have they forgotten their masks at home? It's an offence, and they all should be fined," said user michail_6699.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 6, 2020 at 03:21 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.