Chechen leader vows to sack any employees celebrating his birthday

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has banned his employees from celebrating his birthday.

Ramzan Kadyrov has prohibited anyone toasting his 35th birthday on October 5 or giving him a gift because the day coincides with City Day in Grozny, a public holiday in the country that will feature the opening of a new building complex and a performance by Shakira.

According to RIA Novosti, he said: "There will be no festivities devoted to my birthday. I strongly forbid to devote any celebrations to my birthday, regardless of where they are held. I also warn that anyone, who even tries to make me a present on this day, will be sacked immediately.

"We will have a major holiday on October 5, we will celebrate the Day of the City of Grozny and inaugurate the Grozny-City business center."