Analysts explain Chechen authorities' zeal to publicly scold detainees

The Chechen Adats (traditions) suggest a possibility of public reprimands, but leave the right to use them to perpetrators' relatives; however, the authorities have assumed this function, experts believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 22, the head of the Urus-Martan ROVD (District Interior Division) achieved repentance from those detained for using drugs and driving while drunk. The violators' parents promised to keep an eye on them.

In Chechnya, people of any age can be publicly scolded for violating the norms of the Koran and the Sharia, Sergey Arutyunov, a historian, has noted.

According to his story, parents or other authoritative relatives not only can, but must monitor the behaviour of their younger relatives and strive to prevent the commission of new immoral acts by them.

Older relatives can really supervise the life of the younger ones, explained Ruslan Kutaev, President of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations.

As for the reasons for the sudden moralizing activity of Urus-Martan ROVD, Mr Kutaev gave two possible explanations: "The district could have been appointed by an order from above, saying that you must give figures; and you will have television; or someone wants to curry favour."