Russia silent as Chechen leader acts with impunity

Significance

The petition cites threats of violence made by Kadyrov and his officials against journalists, rights activists and others. A recent abduction in central Russia and related beheading threats are likely to have prompted President Vladimir Putin to summon Kadyrov to a February 2 meeting.

Impacts

• Kadyrov's re-election in September with an implausible 99.7% of the vote gives him another five years in office, unless Putin dismisses him.
• Chechnya's economy will continue to be propped up by large subsidies from Moscow.
• Repression will only increase dissent among Chechens in Russia and abroad, if only on social media.