Social media ridicule ChGTRK boss for justifying apology system

Akhmed Dudaev, Director of the "Grozny" ChGTRK (Chechen State TV and Radio Company) has stated that the people, who record videos with an apologies to Ramzan Kadyrov, are not forced by anyone to do so; they "themselves decide to apologize."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at a meeting in the Chechen government held on November 4, Ramzan Kadyrov voiced a demand to identify authors of negative posts about the Chechen republic and social network users commenting on them. On November 18, video appeals of two social network users, who asked Ramzan Kadyrov to forgive them for their comments, were posted on Instagram.

According to Akhmed Dudaev, there are many people, who are unaware about the existing traditions and customs of a certain nation; therefore, they can "say something or do something." "For example, we call this person and explain: 'Dear such-and-such, according to the traditions and customs of our nation, according to our ancient rules of conduct, by such actions or words you offend the honour and dignity of our people, we don’t like it.' The man understands that he was wrong and decides for himself that he must apologize to the people," Mr Dudaev has stated.

If a person "does not perceive" the explanation, then he is sued, he has added, emphasizing that he does not treat such practice as a violation of the freedom of speech.

However, users of the VKontakte social network have ironically perceived Dudaev's words that the apology system is voluntary.

"Can you imagine what these 'warnings' look like?" the user nicknamed Seryoga Mel has asked.

Facebook users have pointed out that Dudaev's explanation of the apology system by ancient rules does not hold any criticism.

"There's no room in the 21st century for those who live by ancient rules," the user nicknamed Susha LA has noted. "Hello, good evening, you're called from the Stone Age," the user Elena Moine wrote ironically.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 21, 2019 at 05:07 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.