All news

Chechen leader Kadyrov’s spokesman demands explanation from EU ambassador

Alvi Karimov accused the EU ambassador in Russia Vygaudas Usackas of assuming functions not characteristic of a diplomat by voicing ungrounded accusations against Kadyrov
EU ambassador in Russia Vygaudas Usackas Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS
EU ambassador in Russia Vygaudas Usackas
© Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

GROZNY, February 3. /TASS/. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s spokesman Alvi Karimov on Wednesday accused the European Union’s ambassador in Russia Vygaudas Usackas of assuming functions not characteristic of a diplomat by voicing ungrounded accusations against Kadyrov.

"We were extremely surprised to hear your words that you were ‘shocked by such open threats that can’t be put up with," says Karimov’s address to Usackas, published on the website of the Chechen leader.

"In connection with this, we believe it necessary to get explanations which statements by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov on Instagram contain ‘open murder threats’," it says.

"Your statement gives us grounds to believe that you assumed functions not characteristic of a diplomat by voicing ungrounded accusations against Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov," Karimov said.

On February 1, Kadyrov published on his Instagram page a video clip featuring Parnas party leader Mikhail Kasyanov and deputy party chairman, journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza junior. A "sniper sight" visual filter was used in the video.

The post was followed by the words "Kasyanov comes to Strasbourg to get money for Russian opposition. Who has not understood will understand." The clip has currently been deleted by the social network itself for "violation of the service’s regulations."

Kasyanov and Kara-Murza Jr. on Wednesday asked the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to launch criminal proceedings against Kadyrov for the posted video clip.

"A criminal complaint was filed to the FSB today. We demand that a criminal case be initiated against Kadyrov under three articles of the Criminal Code: 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure), 280 and 282 (anti-extremism articles)," lawyer Vadim Prokhorov told TASS.

On February 2, Kadyrov advised all those indignant at the video clip he had posted to go to courts. "I am a law-abiding citizen, I mean what I say and I remain with my firm viewpoint," he wrote on Instagram.