Rights defenders predict stagnation of Chechnya under Ramzan Kadyrov

The Putin's decision to appoint Ramzan Kadyrov the acting leader of Chechnya will not change life in the republic for the best and only means further stagnation. This opinion was expressed by Russian human rights defenders.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that today, Ramzan Kadyrov, whose term of office ends on April 5, was given carte blanche from Vladimir Putin for the re-election the leader of Chechnya. The Russian President appointed Ramzan Kadyrov the acting leader of the republic.

According to Oleg Orlov, a member of the Board of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", the fact that Ramzan Kadyrov is appointed the acting leader will contribute to the further strengthening of his regime.

"Chechnya will follow the previous course towards construction of a totalitarian state, where all aspects of life are completely controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov and his subordinates," stated Oleg Orlov.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the leader of the Committee "Civil Assistance", also does not treat the appointment of Ramzan Kadyrov as a great event.

The above opinion is also shared by Valery Borschov, a member of the Moscow Helsinki Group. According to him, in Chechnya, not only opposition is being subjected to pressure, but also everyone who has an opinion different from the pro-government course, and no changes should not be expected here.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.