Kadyrov's confrontational rhetoric is based on his support by Kremlin

The loud statements, made by the head of Chechnya in support of suspects of committing grave crimes, are linked to his confidence in the support by the Kremlin, said the experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot". According to their version, the recent statement in support of Sagid Murtazaliev demonstrates the Kadyrov's intention to protect his retinue.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Sagid Murtazaliev, the head of the Dagestani branch of the Pension Fund of Russia, and Andrei Vinogradov, the head of the Kizlyar District, are suspected of involvement in murders and financing terrorism. According to his supporters, Murtazaliev is in Germany; and the Investigating Committee of the Russian federation (ICRF) has promised to put him on the wanted list. Vinogradov was detained at night on July 27.

On July 31, Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, said in his comment on the prosecution of Sagid Murtazaliev and Andrei Vinogradov that the charges against Murtazaliev may be unjustified. According to Kadyrov, Murtazaliev is "a real patriot and a true son of Russia."

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, the head of the Russian representative office of the International Crisis Group (ICG), has drawn attention to the fact that "the Chechen elite live outside the Russian legal field."

"In rare cases, when there is an open conflict, Ramzan Kadyrov is harshly defending his system of coordinates and guarding his territory of power. In this case, by his statement [in support of Murtazaliev] he sends a signal to the outside world; say, 'you may live there under your own law, but for me this guy is a fine guy," said Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya.

The head of Chechnya reckons only with the opinion of Vladimir Putin, said Alexei Malashenko, a member of the Scientific Council of the Moscow Carnegie Centre.

"Ramzan Kadyrov has confirmed his special status, despite the fact that in winter and early spring they said that his ties with Putin had weakened. Yes, there were problems; but Ramzan Kadyrov remains as he was," said Alexei Malashenko.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.