Russia: Putin praises controversial Chechen leader for 'effective' work
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 January 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Putin praises controversial Chechen leader for 'effective' work, 25 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c429508.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 25, 2016
Kadyrov has said all Russians who oppose Putin are "traitors." (file photo)
President Vladimir Putin has praised Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Russia's Chechnya region, who has been widely accused of human rights abuses and recently unleashed a series of verbal attacks on liberals and Kremlin opponents.
Speaking at a conference of his loyal All-Russia People's Front movement in the southern city of Stavropol on January 25, Putin expressed his "thanks to Chechnya, to its people...and the current leader." Without actually uttering Kadyrov's name, Putin said: "He is working effectively."
The brief remark was Putin's first public comment on Kadyrov since the regional strongman and his allies began branding liberal opposition politicians, activists, and journalists as "enemies of the people" and Western-backed "jackals."
Those remarks were echoed by demonstrators at a huge rally organized by Kadyrov on January 22 in Chechnya's capital, Grozny.
The verbal attacks have provoked calls for Putin to dismiss Kadyrov, whom one lawmaker called a "disgrace" to Russia.
International rights groups have said the attacks constitute a serious threat to their targets, and have also urged Putin to take action.
Putin installed Kadyorov as head of Chechnya in 2007.
Kremlin critics say Putin tolerates or encourages Kadyrov's words and actions because he relies on him to maintain control of Chechnya, the site of two post-Soviet separatists wars and an ongoing Islamist insurgency.
Based on reporting by RIA and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website