Cultural workers oppose idea to name bridge in Saint Petersburg after Akhmat Kadyrov

Alexander Sokurov, the film director and the People's Artist of Russia, and well-known actor Oleg Basilashvili have spoken against the idea to name a bridge in Saint Petersburg after Akhmat Kadyrov.

Today, the Toponymic Commission of Saint Petersburg has voiced a proposal to name a bridge over Dudergof Channel after Akhmat Kadyrov, the first Chechen President. The idea to name the bridge after Akhmat Kadyrov was initiated by Vitaly Milonov, a deputy of the Legislative Assembly.

According to the "Flash Nord", the final decision on the issue will be made by Georgy Poltavchenko, Governor of Saint Petersburg.

"I have a question, why the surname of Kadyrov is to be immortalized on the map of Saint Petersburg. What important had he done for the city?" said actor Oleg Basilashvili as quoted by the "Rosbalt".

Alexander Sokurov, the film director, has also addressed a letter to the City Governor and Vyacheslav Makarov, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. According to him, it was a mistake to honour Akhmat Kadyrov with the title of "Hero of Russia". "Kadyrov is overshadowed by his involvement in political assassinations in Russia, Islamization of Chechnya, and violation of the Constitution," the "Fontanka.ru" quotes the film director as stating.

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