An incident in Sretensk, located in Russia’s Trans-Baikal region, has drawn swift attention as police report that Yevgeny Kirgizov, the city’s head, allegedly attempted to strike a law enforcement officer with an axe while in custody for a traffic violation and fleeing the scene. Local authorities confirmed the warden’s attempt to confront the officers with an axe, prompting an officer to disarm the suspect by taking the weapon away. The Trans-Baikal Investigative Committee indicated that a criminal case has been opened under the relevant provisions for violence against a government official during a shift in duty.
Initial reports describe the events as starting when Kirgizov’s vehicle was involved in a crash and he was later found to be intoxicated as he fled the scene. Uniformed traffic officers soon stopped his car and attempted to detain him; according to the committee, Kirgizov allegedly attempted to strike the officers with an axe, but fortunately no one was injured in the incident.
Given Kirgizov’s position as the head of Sretensk and his special status as a high-ranking official, investigators proceeded with formal actions and launched a criminal inquiry. The regional office of the investigative committee noted that investigators have begun procedural steps in relation to the suspect and others connected to the case.
Reports from journalists also claim that a pistol was seized from Kirgizov during his arrest. A source from a local outlet suggested the weapon was not a military firearm but possibly a pneumatic or traumatic model. There were additional reports that Kirgizov had shown or threatened with a firearm in the presence of the city’s police force, further heightening concerns about his conduct during the incident.
Yevgeny Kirgizov had served as head of Sretensk since 2022 and had previously faced a legal challenge in 2016, with charges later lifted. His election victory in 2021 saw him secure a significant share of votes amid a relatively low voter turnout.
Allegations of feudal-era tendencies emerge in broader regional politics
In late 2022, Kirgizov publicly clashed with the district head of Sretensky, Alexei Zakurdaev. Reports suggest Kirgizov attempted to position himself as district president in the ensuing elections, though he did not prevail. A regional television channel quoted Kirgizov accusing Zakurdaev of leveraging administrative resources in the electoral process. He referenced the distribution of televisions, cars, and other gifts as part of what he described as an abuse of official power, noting that such resources appeared during the campaign and targeted social services like kindergartens and schools.
Subsequent coverage indicated that three candidates were registered for the district leadership race, with all three having previous convictions reversed on appeal. A regional official cautioned that minor offenses contributed to the withdrawal of these candidates, complicating the electoral landscape. Among those mentioned in connection with prior convictions was Zakurdaev, who faced a conviction for minor bodily harm in the past.
Public discourse suggested that Kirgizov preferred a governance model where the head of the district is appointed rather than elected, and he argued that abolishing municipal districts would undermine local autonomy. He warned that such changes could dismantle the local governance framework, stripping rural and urban communities of their traditional rights and authority. In his view, a move toward centralized control would resemble a step backward toward feudal arrangements, eroding personal responsibility and freedom of action for residents. He described the potential shift as a throwback to a previous era of centralized power that lacks accountability.
Meanwhile, a municipal authority’s critique highlighted concerns about regional development initiatives. Comments from regional officials suggested a history of limited progress on development plans, with implications for drainage, sewage, boiler room repairs, and street lighting projects. This context frames the broader political tensions surrounding local governance and the ongoing discussions about power distribution in the region.