The leader of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, released a video on Saturday in which he appears to say … [+] will resign. (Photo by Alexey NIKOLSKY / Sputnik / AFP) (Photo by ALEXEY NIKOLSKY/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

Basic elements

The longtime ruler of Russia’s Chechnya region has been accused by advocacy groups of overseeing and turning a blind eye to kidnappings, torture and killings, as well as suppressing political opposition and enacting repressive laws against the LGBTQ community, although he vowed last year in his speech at his inauguration. for his fourth term for the “protection of human rights”. Kadyrov, 45, ran unopposed at the encouragement of 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, urging Russia not to “coddle” Ukrainian forces and criticizing Western countries for their opposition to the war. urging the inhabitants of these countries to “rise up” against their governments. Chechen troops referred to as Kadyrovtsy have been accused of war crimes in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including the killing of hundreds of civilians in the town of Bucha, where in April Ukrainian officials indicted 10 Russian soldiers for torturing civilians.

Backround key

Kadyrov’s father, Akhmad Kadyrov, initially fought against Russian forces after Chechen independence in 1994, but switched to the Russian side during Chechnya’s second war, becoming the region’s president in 2003 after Moscow eventually acquired the control. He was assassinated in 2004 by a member of a Chechen Islamist group. The younger Kadyrov became prime minister of the Chechen Republic in 2005 and became its leader in 2007. In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on him for human rights violations related to the persecution of the LGBTQ community and the detention of journalists.

Further reading

Kremlin-backed Chechen leader Kadyrov says he plans to take an “indefinite” leave of absence (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)