Kadyrov appoints Tumso's critic to head TV Company

Chingiz Akhmadov, an active critic of the oppositional blogger, Tumso Abdurakhmanov, who headed the "Chechnya Today" News Agency, has been appointed by Kadyrov to the post of the head of the "Grozny" ChGTRK (Chechen State TV and Radio Company). This appointment was expected; it has greatly increased Akhmedov's power in countering Tumso and fighting any dissent, the republic's residents interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 18, 2019, Chingiz Akhmadov, and then a journalist of the "Grozny" ChGTRK was appointed to the post of the director of the "Chechnya Today" News Agency. He is regularly posting his video replies to Tumso Abdurakhmanov in social networks, countering the latter's arguments and defending Chechen authorities.

The decree on the appointment of Chingiz Akhmadov to the post of the director of the "Grozny" ChGTRK was signed by Ramzan Kadyrov on June 23.

Residents of Chechnya treat the Akhmadov's appointment as expected and logical.

Chingiz Akhmadov has proved himself well before Kadyrov by his "Illusion" programmes and constant criticism of Tumso, who is denouncing the Kadyrov’s regime," Rosa, a social activist, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "It was quite expected: Kadyrov has rewarded him for his labours," she said.

"Akhmadov's capacities in confronting Tumso, and any other dissent, have increased significantly because now he has a rather large resource. Let's see how he will take advantage of it," said Kheda, a local activist.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 24, 2020 at 08:51 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.