Orlov: Kadyrov states his innocence of Estemirova's murder

Natalia Estemirova's death is of no benefit to authorities of Chechnya. Probably, the human rights defender was assassinated by the people, who wanted to frame up the leaders of Chechnya and Ingushetia. This was stated in a telephone conversation with Oleg Orlov, Board Chair of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", of a person, who presented himself as President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov.

Mr Orlov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent: "Kadyrov said that Estemirova wasn't any danger to him and caused no troubles."

Oleg Orlov answered that Kadyrov, being President there, should bears responsibility for everything that happens in Chechnya, including kidnapping and actions of power agencies.

"Kadyrov said that although he's President of the republic, he has no power agencies in his subordination. They don't obey him directly, although as President he should, probably, bear responsibility for what happens in his republic," said Oleg Orlov.

"I know what your relations were after Estemirova was dismissed from her position in the Public Board, and how you spoke with her," Orlov said to Kadyrov, to which the latter answered: "Yes, I dismissed her, and it was a great minus to her as human rights defender. And I dissolved the Board as unnecessary."

Orlov advised Ramzan Kadyrov to take the last cases, where Natalia Estemirova was engaged, and try to understand, who could be beneficiary of her death. "Since these materials refer to cases on illegal actions, including of the power agencies of Republic's subordination," Oleg Orlov told the President of Chechnya.

Then, Orlov noted that after what happened the "Memorial" could no longer work in Chechnya. "To this Kadyrov said that it was no good when people left their homeland and moved away from Chechnya. He would not like the 'Memorial' to leave the republic," Oleg Orlov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

On July 15, President Kadyrov said that had taken the inquiry into Estemirova's murder under his personal supervision; he treated the crime as "monstrous" and promised that apart from the official investigation he was going to hold an unofficial one according to traditions of the Chechens.