Human rights defenders doubt sincerity of Chechen resident's renunciation of his son

The father of Akhmed Barzaev, who was killed in an attack on policemen, renounced him to protect his family members, human rights defenders believe.

On June 23, two policemen were injured in an attack which occurred near the residence of the Chechen leader. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the policemen were attacked by Akhmed Barzaev, a resident of the republic, born in 1997. The "Islamic State" (IS), a terrorist organization banned in Russia by the court, declared Akhmed Barzaev its militant.

On the air of the "Grozny" TV Channel, Alkhazur Barzaev, the father of the killed attacker, cursed his son, declared his refusal to commemorate him, and offered to throw his son's body "into a cesspool."

Close relatives of Akhmed Barzaev also voiced curses against him and said that he had brought shame on the family.

Residents of Chechnya interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe that the speeches of the Akhmed Barzaev's relatives can be explained by their fears of losing their jobs.

Father's renunciation of his son is an extreme measure of punishment, believes Akhmed Yarlykapov, a researcher, engaged in the studies of Islam. He suggested that the father's goal could be to save the men of the family from blood feud for murder.

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, Director of the Conflict Analysis and Prevention Centre, believes it is a kind of blasphemy for a Muslim to renounce his son. She agrees with the version of Akhmed Yarlykapov that Alkhazur Barzaev publicly renounced his son in order to protect his family members from possible troubles.

If a Chechen went against the will of society or a village, his relatives not only renounced him, they even drove him out of the society, said historian Lechi Garsaev.

Cases where parents renounce their children are not isolated in the Chechen society, notes teacher Aza Sarakaeva.