Residents of Chechnya complain about forced subbotniks amid epidemic

In Chechnya, employees of budgetary organizations are forced to participate in subbotniks organized by the authorities despite the self-isolation regime. Local report that they are forced to work at 35-degree heat, in medical masks and gloves.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Chechnya, employees of budget-funded organizations and civil servants repeatedly complain that they are forced to take part in collective events organized by the authorities – subbotniks, rallies and football matches. A refusal to participate therein threatens with dismissal from work.

"We had a subbotnik at the local cemetery; we mowed grass and burnt dead wood. Prior to this, we put streets in order; removed garbage and painted kerbs and trees. Each organization has to clean and improve its territory and allocated areas within the city and beyond. Our bosses assert that this is an order of district authorities," Malika, an employee of one of the organization of the Shali District, told the "Caucasian Knot" on June 12.

Musa, an employee of a budgetary organization, has noted that had to work in masks at the heat. "We worked despite plus 35 degrees; and it was twice as hard in mask," he told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

A teacher of a local school has also noted that working in masks and gloves in such heat is very difficult, but none of her colleagues refused. "The principal ordered to hold a subbotnik in the territory and surrounding area, referring to the prefecture's order. Refusing to participate is dangerous – they can just fire you without explanations. Therefore, everyone knows that it is useless to argue, and they do what they are told to," the woman has explained, preferring to remain anonymous.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 13, 2020 at 02:26 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.