16 April 2019, 08:18
Abdurakhmanov's clip triggers Kadyrov's and Chechen theologians' loud statements
The Chechen blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov has called the statements of the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, and pro-government theologians to be answers to his video about Akhmat Kadyrov. Residents of Chechnya treat the authorities' statements as attempts to smooth the consequences of unsuccessful discussions with the blogger.
On April 10, Abdurakhmanov, while answering the question of whether it is allowed to go against the ruler and criticize him, touched, in his video clip posted on the YouTube, the confrontation of Akhmat Kadyrov with Aslan Maskhadov, the then president of the unrecognized separatist entity of Ichkeria. The blogger noted that Kadyrov had recognized Maskhadov as a "legitimate president."
At his sermon on April 12, the theologian, Bai-Ali Tevsiev, criticized Internet users for their negative remarks about the former leader of Chechnya.
The head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, called on journalists to resist provocations and attempts of disinformation.
The recent public discussions of officials with the blogger were the first lengthy open dialogue of the Chechen authorities with opposition-minded people.
The Tevsiev's sermon was a continuation of the dispute in absentia of Chechen officials and clergymen with the blogger, the republic's NGOs have noted.
"Tevsiev named nobody in particular, but his sermon was clearly addressed to Abdurakhmanov, the most active critic of Kadyrov and Chechen authorities," Shakhran, an NGO activist is sure.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 15, 2019 at 10:46 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Source: CK correspondents
