In Grozny, 120,000 people go to celebrate May Day, authorities report

In Grozny, about 120,000 people have attended the festive events to celebrate the Day of Spring and Labour. This was reported by the city administration of the Chechen capital. Other cities and towns of the republic also hold solemn events and festivities.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by an official from the city administration of Grozny that the demonstration was attended by Chechen MPs headed by Speaker Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov, heads and staff members of various ministries, institutions, organizations, and enterprises of Chechnya, and students of educational institutions.

Some public officers and students state that they were forced to take part in the May Day demonstration.

"Yesterday, we were announced that May 1 will be a day off. However, we were warned that everyone should come to the demonstration that would begin at 10:00 a.m. No excuses were taken into account, and all persons who failed to come to the demonstration were put on a list," said Kheda, a staff member of one of the ministries.

In connection with the coming May Day, Chechen law enforcement agencies started to work day and night. In the republic, the enhanced security measures will be effective until May 11.