Kadyrov distances off from attempt on Georgian journalist Gabuniya

Ramzan Kadyrov's harsh statement regarding the preparation of the attempt on the Georgian journalist, Giorgi Gabuniya, is an attempt of the head of Chechnya to refute suspicions of his involvement, the renown blogger, Tumso Abdurakhmanov, and Zaurbekh Sadakhanov, a lawyer, believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 16, the State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia announced the detention of a Russian citizen on suspicion of preparing an assassination attempt. Nika Gvaramiya, Director General of the "Mtavari Arkhi" TV Company, said that Giorgi Gabuniya, an employee of the TV Company should have become a victim of the attempt. Gvaramiya linked this with threats to Gabuniya voiced out by the head of Chechnya. Kadyrov treated this version as "fables", noting that Gabuniya remains his enemy, and advised him to "ask for forgiveness." Gabuniya stated that he would not apologize.

According to Alexei Malashenko, a political analyst, an aggressive rhetoric against critics is part of the Russian political culture.

"Kadyrov tried to disown this crime, while emphasizing his power," the blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov has stated.

Paul Goble, a former adviser to the US State Department, has explained Kadyrov's confidence by support from the Russian president and the weakness of Western governments, which have no leverage to influence such behaviour.