24 April 2020, 11:48
Shaving heads by Chechen officials is way to prove loyalty to Kadyrov
Officials and law enforcers have followed the example of the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, who shaved his head bald in response to requests of republic's residents to open barbershops closed as a coronavirus quarantine measure.
On April 21, the head of Chechnya launched the flash mob "Clean Head! Stop Coronavirus!" and called on everyone to follow his example.
"Our salons are closed; there are no hairdressers at home; therefore, like our ancestors, I shaved my head," the "Chechnya Today" quotes him as saying.
Photos and videos have appeared on the Instagram, showing officials and law enforcers with their shaved heads.
In the Caucasus and, in particular, in Chechnya, there is no tradition to follow the leader in any of his extravagant actions, said Mikhail Roschin, an Orientalist. He pointed out that this is more characteristic of a circle of officials close to the ruler.
Alexei Malashenko, the head of scientific studies at the "Dialogue of Civilizations" Institute, agrees that following all the leader's quirks is typical for Kadyrov's close retinue.
"It's stupid enough and, I think, is humiliating for the elite," he said.
Ruslan Kutaev, the head of the "Assembly of Caucasian Nations", noted that the degree of loyalty has long been an evaluation of Chechen officials. However, in his opinion, the Chechen people don't approve such extremities.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 24, 2020 at 04:59 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Source: CK correspondents
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