Chechen scientists stand up for Kadyrov in dispute with film director Sokurov

Almost 20 scientists and cultural figures of Chechnya signed an angry appeal to film director Alexander Sokurov. They find unreasonable his doubts that Ramzan Kadyrov, who participated in battles against the Russian federal troops, is worthy of the Hero of Russia title.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 10, film director Alexander Sokurov invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to "review the status" of the title of Hero of Russia. The film director noted that both the leader of Chechnya and the Pskov paratroopers killed in a battle with Basaev's militants were awarded the status of Hero of Russia. The Russian President objected that a person who "sided with Russia" deserved the Hero of Russia award. Alexander Sokurov admitted that he was upset by the President Putin's response.

The authors of the appeal accused Alexander Sokurov of "provocative statements" and questioned the appropriateness of his participation in the Human Rights Council. Meanwhile, the appeal emphasizes the merits of Ramzan Kadyrov and his father in the combat against militants during the second Chechen military campaign and the post-war restoration of the republic.

"It was Akhmat-Khadji Kadyrov and Ramzan Kadyrov who put an end to the daily dispatch of tens and hundreds of coffins with bodies of killed soldiers and officers to the regions of Russia," emphasize the Chechen scientists and cultural figures in their appeal.

The authors of the appeal also note that the soldiers of the Pskov division were awarded the titles of Hero of Russia for participating in the second Chechen military campaign.