All articles tagged with #chechnya
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Yahoo Sports
Khamzat Chimaev won the UFC middleweight title but immediately flew to Chechnya to surrender it to Ramzan Kadyrov, citing the belt’s importance for his country, amid controversy surrounding Kadyrov’s human rights record.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by MMA Fighting
Khamzat Chimaev returned to Chechnya as UFC champion after winning the middleweight title at UFC 319, where he handed his belt to Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, highlighting his close ties with the controversial figure.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close Putin ally, appears seriously ill, sparking speculation about his succession, with his teenage son being groomed for leadership amid concerns over his health and the region's stability.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Kyiv Independent
Thirty years after the First Chechen War, Chechnya remains under the control of Ramzan Kadyrov, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kadyrov has turned Chechnya into a semi-independent state, notorious for human rights abuses, including the abduction, torture, and murder of critics and LGBTQ+ individuals. His private army of 70,000 fighters supports Putin's regime, and Kadyrov's influence extends beyond Chechnya, with reported extrajudicial killings in Moscow and Berlin. Despite speculation about his health and potential regime change, Kadyrov's power remains unchallenged, crucial for maintaining stability in the North Caucasus.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
French authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Chechen man suspected of planning an attack on soccer events during the Paris Olympics. The suspect aimed to target spectators and police at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne. Security concerns remain high for the Olympics, with multiple potential threats identified, leading to scaled-back plans for the opening ceremony and other events.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR
The Russian republic of Chechnya has banned music with tempos considered too fast or slow, criminalizing many genres, in an effort to conform to the "Chechen mentality and sense of rhythm." The ban, ordered by Culture Minister Musa Dadayev and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, restricts musical works to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute. This move is part of Kadyrov's consistent quashing of dissent in the territory, which has faced human rights violations and threats to activists and journalists. The ban would effectively silence most modern music genres, including electronic styles like house and techno, while permitting hip-hop music.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Chechnya has instituted limits on musical tempo, requiring all musical, vocal, and choreographic works to be between 80 and 116 beats per minute (BPM) in an effort to align with the "Chechen mentality." This move could potentially ban much of the modern pop pantheon, including songs by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and The Beatles. The culture ministry's announcement, approved by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, aims to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the conservative Muslim-majority republic, despite facing criticism for rights violations and repressions against the LGBTQ community.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Euronews
Chechnya has reportedly banned all music outside of 80 - 116 BPM, excluding many modern genres like pop and electro music, in an effort to align with traditional values and the "Chechen mentality." Artists have until June 1 to rewrite music that doesn't meet the criteria, or they won't be allowed to perform it in public. The republic, known for its conservative Islamic society, has also faced criticism for its brutal persecution of the LGBTQ+ community, with reports of anti-gay purges and violence.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by POLITICO Europe
Chechnya has banned songs by Taylor Swift, Drake, and Beyoncé in a cultural crackdown, while French President Macron is set to acknowledge France's failure to prevent the Rwanda genocide on its 30th anniversary. Additionally, Denmark fired its defense chief after a warship malfunctioned in a battle with Houthi militants, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu admitted to the killing of 7 aid workers in a Gaza airstrike despite coordination with the IDF.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Chechnya has imposed a ban on music that is considered too fast or slow, restricting all musical, vocal, and choreographic works to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute. The decision, made by Minister of Culture Musa Dadayev and approved by leader Ramzan Kadyrov, aims to align with the "Chechen mentality and musical rhythm." This move adds to a history of controversial actions by Kadyrov, including stifling dissent, reports of violence against gay men, and involvement in gross human rights violations, leading to sanctions from the US State Department.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has threatened to kill the family members of suspected criminals if the suspects themselves cannot be found. This statement was made during a meeting focused on public safety. Kadyrov's stance reflects a traditional approach to justice in the region, invoking the concept of blood feuds. Meanwhile, Russia continues its military aggression against Ukraine, with a recent hypersonic missile attack on Ukrainian cities resulting in casualties.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Moscow Times
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has reportedly called for "blood vengeance" against the relatives of fugitives who commit violence, as per the opposition group 1Adat's translation of his New Year's Eve comments. Kadyrov instructed local law enforcement to be vigilant and stated that relatives should bear responsibility for their family members' actions, in line with Chechen customary laws. The Moscow Times has not independently verified these translations. Kadyrov is also said to have threatened dissident critics abroad, continuing his history of advocating violence against opponents.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Newsweek
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has advocated for the execution of family members of criminals if the perpetrators themselves cannot be found. This controversial statement was made during a meeting with security officials, reinforcing Kadyrov's reputation for endorsing harsh tactics, including human rights abuses. Kadyrov's forces have also been involved in the conflict in Ukraine, and he has previously made extreme statements regarding the suppression of unrest, such as shooting rioters in the forehead. International groups have long accused Kadyrov of overseeing abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings in Chechnya.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Euronews
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has ruled out holding elections during the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that now is the time for defense and unity. Western allies have been pressuring Ukraine to hold elections as a way to demonstrate its democratic credentials. However, there are obstacles such as occupied territories, displaced citizens, and security risks. Meanwhile, the leader of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, has announced that former Wagner mercenaries are training his AKHMAT special forces. Chechens have been involved on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine, with Kadyrov's forces reportedly being used to discipline Russian soldiers and intimidate civilians.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Adam Kadyrov, the 15-year-old son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who was previously shown beating a prisoner in custody, has been appointed to a senior role in his father's bodyguard, according to top Chechen security officials. The appointment has been praised by allies of the Chechen leader, despite widespread condemnation of Adam's actions earlier this year. Ramzan Kadyrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had previously expressed pride in his son's behavior.