Kadyrov’s threats encourage compulsory vaccination in Chechnya

In Chechnya, the vaccination process is haphazard, and among others, people with chronic diseases also get vaccines, which can lead to health problems, a doctor says. Schoolchildren and employees of public institutions are being persuaded to get vaccinated under the threat of being denied access to studies and working places, local residents complain.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on June 16, Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, threatened to impose severe coronavirus restrictions in the event of low vaccination rates.

Razet, an employee of one of the Chechen ministries, says that her health state leaves much to be desired: the woman underwent several surgeries, and she has allergies. Doctors warned the woman to be careful when using medications. “I visited a doctor and said that I needed a withdrawal from vaccination. And she told me that doctors are prohibited from issuing such withdrawals,” Razet complained.

Larisa, a resident of Grozny, reports that her neighbour has five children. The man himself is unemployed, and his wife earns money by helping people to cook and wash dishes at wedding and family celebration parties. “My neighbours categorically refused to get vaccinated. And then their children returned from school and said that they were told at school if their parents did not get vaccinated, the children would not be allowed going to classes,” said Larisa.

Magomed, a lecturer at the Chechen State University, says that he had to agree to get vaccinated after the dean of the faculty told him that if he refuses to be vaccinated, he may be dismissed from his position at the university.