Kadyrov criticizes Bastrykin for his words about attackers in Dagestan and Rostov-on-Don

The hostage taking in the Rostov SIZO (pre-trial prison) and the attacks in Dagestan were committed by "Islamists," Alexander Bastrykin, the Chairman of the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF), has stated and supported the idea of banning niqabs (long garments worn by some Muslim women in order to cover their entire body and face, excluding their eyes). The head of Chechnya has criticized Bastrykin and called on him to "be extremely careful" in his statements about religion.

In his Telegram channel, Ramzan Kadyrov has reacted to Alexander Bastrykin's words, who had treated the attackers in Rostov-on-Don and Dagestan as "Islamists." "I have stated many times that Muslims haven't committed and aren't committing terror acts. I really hope that Alexander Bastrykin won't compare Islam with terrorism in the future," the head of Chechnya has written.

Religions should not be confused "with the extravagant ideas of rabid fanatics," Kadyrov has emphasized. "If high-ranking officials allow themselves such statements, this could end extremely badly for the socio-political situation in the country," his message has stated.

*On December 29, 2014, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized the organization "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL or IS) as a terrorist international organization and banned its activities in Russia.