Kadyrov's decision to recall claims against "Novaya Gazeta" was a surprise for his lawyer and respondents

The decision of President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov to recall his claim against "Novaya Gazeta" was a surprise for the lawyer Andrei Krasnenkov, who represented his interests in the court of Moscow. In his turn, Vyacheslav Izmailov, a journalist of "Novaya Gazeta", believes that the open litigation, initiated by Kadyrov, could have drawn attention of the public to kidnappings in Chechnya.

"Back on February 9, Ramzan Ahmatovich decided to recall his claims against human rights activists and journalists. I admit, however, that this Kadyrov's step was a surprise for me," Andrei Krasnenkov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Mr Krasnenkov, prior to lodge his first claim after the article by Vyacheslav Izmailov in the "Novaya Gazeta", Ramzan Kadyrov made telephone calls to the author of the publication and moved his arguments on the material, offered to meet personally; however, the journalist refused and continued insisting on the facts, challenged by the head of Chechnya. In the opinion of the lawyer, his client exhibited great patience, and only then brought an action against the newspaper.

He has noted that does not approve Kadyrov's decision to recall the claim; however he added that "he had the right to do it."

Vyacheslav Izmailov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent in his comments on the recall of the suits: "My materials were on kidnappings in Chechnya. And an open trial is the only way to remind about it and draw attention of the public to these scandalous crimes."

The journalist believes that the witnesses summoned by the claimant, gave no evidences on the merits. "In my opinion, they tried to blacken Israilov, Kadyrov's former security, who was killed in Austria. I wrote about it in my article. They said he was a criminal. But even if so, what were the reasons to kill him? The court exists to deal with such issues," Mr Izmailov said.

Sergey Sokolov, deputy editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta", who also represented the edition in the court, was very constrained in his comments. He just said that "the parties have the right to lodge and recall suits."