Lawyers assess Kadyrov's ability to help brawler with law enforcers

A Chechen authorities' positive opinion will be a weighty argument during the trial of the young man who had beaten up law enforcers during the rally of Navalny's supporters in Moscow, lawyers believe. In exchange for a softer verdict, officials expect public repentance of the young Chechen guy, Svetlana Gannushkina and Ruslan Kutaev believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Adam Delimkhanov, an advisor to Ramzan Kadyrov, urged the native of Chechnya, who started a brawl with law enforcers on December 23, to renounce his support for the opposition. He promised the young man that Kadyrov would help him in settling problems with the law.

The native of Chechnya faces from 5 to 10 years in prison, said Alexander Karavaev, a lawyer. However, if the law enforcers, with whom the young man had fought, abandon their claims, this may mitigate the punishment.

According to Evgeny Chernousov, a lawyer, a positive characteristic by high-ranking Chechen officials will help the young man at trial.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the head of the "Civil Assistance" Committee, has no doubts that if the young man repents and "begins acting as the Chechen authorities want, he won't be punished at all."

Let us note here that the statement by Adam Delimkhanov, a State Duma MP, about Navalny's position regarding same-sex marriages creates his negative image in the eyes of residents of Chechnya.

Ms Gannushkina believes that by such accusations against Navalny's supporters, Delimkhanov is trying to divert residents of Chechnya from supporting the opposition.