Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, in a video message posted to his Telegram channel, stated that a protest against mobilization had taken place in Grozny. This was the first such demonstration against the ruling government during Kadyrov's 15 years as the federal republic's head.
According to Kadyrov, 15 to 20 women attended the protest. Kadyrov claimed that those who participate in protests against the partial mobilization announced by Russian President Putin on September 21 are enemies of the people and should be detained and sent to fight. Mothers of sons of military age held this rally in opposition to a mobilization announced in Chechnya on September 15. He said that some of the demonstrators had taken money from European organizations. "They responded that they had housing and social problems when asked. What do you want, and why are you here? I advised them to be on the territory where Russia is carrying out a particular operation if they don't have guys to keep them at home and take care of them," Kadyrov stated.
On September 21, 30 minutes before the protest's scheduled start time, a group of women had gathered in central Grozny. They all were taken into custody by personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and kept at Grozny City Hall.
On September 23, a state-approved pro-war demonstration in Chechnya attracted at least hundreds of Chechens. The leader of Chechnya also said that he would not carry out the partial mobilization ordered by the Kremlin; opposition organizations believe this was a move made out of concern for the federal republic's escalating unrest.
