12 June 2014, 17:10
Residents of Chechnya complain about coercion to participate in Day of Russia celebrations
On June 12, celebrated as the Day of Russia, a mass festive demonstration was held in the centre of Grozny, the Chechen capital. "The total number of participants may exceed one hundred thousand persons," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told at the Mayoralty.
The festivities were accompanied by reinforced security measures. Since morning, law enforcers blocked the downtown of Grozny.
Some state employees and university students of Chechnya reported being forced to participate in the celebrations.
"As usual, we were involved in the festivities. Those who won't come today had been promised big troubles, up to non-admission to exams. In the morning, they distributed banners, flags and posters, and sent us to the city centre to take part in a demonstration," said Zelimkhan U., a university student from Grozny.
Author: Muslim Ibragimov, Alexander Ivanov Source: CK correspondents
