16:36, 31 October 2020

Kadyrov demands apologies from Zhirinovsky

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the leader of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), has condemned Ramzan Kadyrov's statements about the French President, Emmanuel Macron, for his refusal to condemn caricatures on Prophet Muhammad. The head of Chechnya has demanded from LDPR leader to apologize for his words and not interfere in religious matters.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the French President's decision to organize "enlightened Islam" in his country and his refusal to condemn caricatures on Prophet Muhammad had provoked sharp criticism from the Chechen leadership. On October 27, Ramzan Kadyrov accused Emmanuel Macron of inciting extremist ideas; and Salakh Mezhiev, the Mufti of Chechnya, declared the French President "terrorist number one."

On October 16, Samuel Paty, a teacher of history and geography, was beheaded in a Paris suburb. At a lesson on the freedom of speech, the teacher had shown caricatures on Prophet Muhammad from the "Charlie Hebdo" magazine to his pupils. The alleged killer was shot dead by policemen and identified as Abdulak Anzorov, 18, a Russian citizen of Chechen origin.

The heads of Russian regions should not speak out on international issues, "they should all be engaged in domestic and economic affairs," said Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the LDPR, in his comments on Kadyrov's criticism of Macron.

In his turn, Ramzan Kadyrov, has stated that Zhirinovsky's words had surprised and outraged him. "The LDPR leader has taken the courage to teach the heads and governors of their work [...] In general, Zhirinovsky is again engaged in self-promotion," the head of Chechnya wrote in his Telegram channel.

He advised the LDPR leader "better not to touch on this topic." "Don't mention religion, Zhirinovsky […] And don't stutter about the fight against terrorism. I'll never justify terrorism," Kadyrov wrote. He also called on Zhirinovsky to apologize. "Zhirinovsky, apologize for your words," the head of Chechnya has called on.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 31, 2020 at 02:32 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.