By their reaction to "Magnitsky List", Chechen law enforcers show loyalty to Kadyrov

The head of the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has offered to apply US sanctions to the entire ministry; and the commander of the "Terek" SOBR (special quick-response regiment) has linked the sanctions with the regiment's successful fight against terrorism. By their statements, law enforcers reconfirmed their loyalty to the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, local residents believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the updated US "Magnitsky List" now includes Ruslan Geremeev, a former commander of the "North" (Sever) battalion, who was associated with the murder of the opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, as well as Abuzaid Vismuradov, the commander of the above "Terek" SOBR. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has threatened USA with retaliatory measures.

In his Instagram, Ruslan Alkhanov, the head of the Chechen MIA, expressed "deep indignation" for the US "selective approach" to Kadyrov's team.

"We are proud to accept the US sanctions ... Chechnya is the only place that has been cleared of militants," Abuzaid Vismuradov has stated in his turn.

In his Instagram, he has treated his inclusion into the "Magnitsky List" as "one of the happiest moments in life."

Alkhanov and Vismuradov fail to treat US sanctions as a serious threat to themselves; and by their statements they have once again demonstrated their loyalty to Ramzan Kadyrov, residents of Chechnya believe.

"For Alkhanov and Vismuradov, getting under sanctions is a game of the faraway America; something frivolous that will not have real consequences for them," said Abubakar, an activist of a local NGO.