Police control drivers more severe after Vismuradov's threats to Chechen residents

After Abuzaid Vismuradov, Deputy Prime Minister of Chechnya, threatened people with reprisals for alcohol consumption, residents of the republic report that the police conduct anti-alcohol raids and fine people who bring alcoholic drinks to Chechnya. The above-mentioned threats are caused by the desire of the Chechen authorities to keep the residents under pressure, political analyst Ali Magomadov believes.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Chechen Deputy Prime Minister Abuzaid Vismuradov announced that, in addition to an arrest, fine, and deprivation of driver's licence, an "additional punishment" would be imposed on the drivers detained in Chechnya in a state of alcoholic intoxication. The police will use the above threats as a pretext for persecuting those whom the authorities treat as personae non gratae, human rights defenders suggest.

Sultan, a resident of Chechnya, believes that there is no sense to look for alcohol lovers among Chechen drivers. "Now there are more believers, especially among young people, and Islam is a strict religion with regard to alcohol. Moreover, it is practically impossible to buy alcoholic drinks in Chechnya," the local resident explained.

Political analyst Ali Magomadov doubts that there are prerequisites for an anti-alcohol campaign in Chechnya. Abuzaid Vismuradov's statements are aimed at keeping residents of the republic under pressure, the expert suggests.

The political analyst associates the threats voiced against the local residents with the desire of Chechen officials and law enforcers to gain favour with the leaders of the republic.

While speaking about the "destruction" of violators, Abuzaid Vismuradov does not mean any approved actions, says Ruslan Kutaev, the president of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations.

According to Ruslan Kutaev's version, Chechen law enforcers have recently begun to falsify criminal cases more openly.