Kadyrov demonstrates his desire to be the first in lifting mask regime

Having been ahead of other governors with the lifting of the mask regime, Ramzan Kadyrov tries to demonstrate the Russian authorities that Chechnya defeated the coronavirus epidemic earlier than other regions, Caucasus expert Mikhail Roschin and human rights defender Svetlana Gannushkina note.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 10, Ramzan Kadyrov announced lifting the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and the restrictions on crossing the border of the region. The Chechen leader's order contradicts the statement of the "Rospotrebnadzor" (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare) about the too early cancellation of the restrictions.

Ramzan Kadyrov knows that the epidemiological situation is improving throughout Russia, and he has decided to announce the lifting of the restrictions earlier than any other regional leader, believes Mikhail Roschin, an expert on the Caucasus.

"It is important for him to demonstrate that the republic is ahead of the other regions in various spheres," the expert notes.

"He strives to be the first, no matter what issue," agrees Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the "Civic Assistance" Committee.

The human rights defender has recalled that at the beginning of the pandemic, Chechnya did not impose any mask regime at all, which allegedly caused "a huge number of sick and high death toll."

By February 11, 11,085 coronavirus-infected patients were registered in Chechnya, and 110 people died.