Topline
Ramzan Kadyrov—the controversial Putin-backed Chechen leader accused of numerous human rights violations over his 15 years in office—said in a video posted Saturday morning he will take an “indefinite and long” and that his “time has come before they kick me out,” according to a translation by the Financial Times.
Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov released a video on Saturday in which he appears to say … [+]
Key Facts
The longtime ruler of Russia’s Chechnya region has been accused by advocacy groups of overseeing and turning a blind eye to abductions, torture and killings as well as suppressing political opposition and instituting repressive laws against the LGBTQ community, although he vowed last year in his inauguration address for his fourth term to “protect human rights.”
Kadyrov, 45, ran unopposed after being encouraged by Russian President Vladimir Putin, winning with 99.97% of the vote.
He has also been a key supporter of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, telling Putin he is “ready to give my life” to the cause, calling on Russia not to “coddle” Ukrainian forces, and slamming Western countries for their opposition to the war, urging residents of those countries to “rise up” against their governments.
Chechen troops referred to as the Kadyrovtsy have been accused of war crimes in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including the killing of hundreds of civilians in the city of Bucha, where in April, Ukrainian officials brought criminal charges against 10 Russian soldiers behind the torture of civilians.
Key Backround
Kadyrov’s father, Akhmad Kadyrov, initially fought against Russian forces after Chechens declared independence in 1994, but went over to the Russian side during the second Chechen war,becoming president of the region in 2003 after Moscow finally reestablished control. He was assassinated in 2004 by a member of a Chechen Islamist group. The younger Kadyrov took over as prime minister of the Chechen Republic in 2005, and became its leader in 2007. In 2020, the United States sanctioned him for human rights abuses around the persecution of the LGBTQ community and the detention of journalists.
Further Reading
Kremlin-Backed Chechen Leader Kadyrov Says He Plans To Take ‘Indefinite’ Leave From Post (Radio Free Europe)
Chechnya once resisted Russia. Now, its leader is Putin’s brutal ally in Ukraine (NPR)
Diary of a Warlord (Politico)
The real role of pro-Russian Chechens in Ukraine (Al Jazeera)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/09/03/my-time-has-come-controversial-chechen-leader-ramzan-kadyrov-appears-to-say-hell-resign/