Kadyrov demands to expel militants' families from Chechnya and demolish their houses

Families of members of the armed underground should be expelled from the Chechen Republic; and their households should be demolished – Ramzan Kadyrov has demanded this from local officials. However, local residents report that such actions are contrary to the Constitution of Russia, norms of Islam and Chechen customs.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at night on December 4 in Grozny policemen were attacked by militants. Grozny residents assert that not one civilian perished, as reported by the authorities, but several ones.

Earlier, Chechnya actively practiced demolition of houses of militants' relatives as a method of combating the armed underground, which caused criticism of rights defenders.

On December 5, the head of Chechnya declared the introduction of the principle of collective responsibility for the families of members of the armed underground. He also said that henceforth every police boss and every head of local administration would be held personally responsible for the situation in the areas under their control.

The introduction of the principle of collective responsibility is illegal, observers say.

"Such brutality can only trigger a reaction in response; and the situation could further deteriorate," said the head of a local NGO.

The Kadyrov's statement indicates fear and confusion of the authorities, said a former Chechen law enforcer named Kazbek. According to his version, after the recent special operation in Grozny, "there are so many questions to which there are no answers."

The Koran and Chechen adats (customs and traditions) do not assume the principle of collective responsibility, said Imam of a mosque in Grozny.

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