Putin meets with Kadyrov after criticism for praising his son's beating of a prisoner
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov on Thursday, according to a state television reporter, three days after Kadyrov said he was proud of his 15-year-old son for beating a prisoner accused of burning the Koran.
A short video posted by television reporter Pavel Zarubin showed the two men exchanging opening remarks, without any reference to the beating episode that drew condemnation even from some Kremlin hardliners.
Putin said there was a "positive dynamic" in Chechnya, largely thanks to Kadyrov and his team. He showed himself to Kadyrov handing him some papers from a file.
Putin has given Kadyrov free rein to run the southern Muslim region as a personal fiefdom in exchange for keeping it stable and loyal after wars in the 1990s and 2000s in which he tried to break away from Moscow. Kadyrov has cultivated an image as a ruthless ally of Putin and an aggressive cheerleader for Russia's war in Ukraine, but some commentators suggested he had crossed a line this week by backing his son Adam's attack on prisoner Nikita Zhuravel. He posted a video in which the youngest Kadyrov was seen punching and kicking Zhuravel while the prisoner cowered in a chair, and said he was proud of his son for having acquired "adult ideals of honor, dignity and defense of his religion." ".
The alleged Quran burning did not take place in Chechnya, but Russian investigators claimed they transferred Zhuravel to Chechen custody because Muslims there considered themselves victims of the incident.
The beating exposed Putin to accusations that he had handed over an ethnic Russian "to be devoured by the Chechens," former Kremlin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov, now a harsh critic of Putin, said this week. Even pro-Kremlin war commentators described the episode as an outrage.
Kadyrov, 46, has been the subject of intense speculation about his health, and rumors circulated this month that he was dead or in a coma. Last week he published a post on Telegram in which he stated that he was feeling well and that the reason for his trip to a Moscow hospital was to visit a sick uncle.
Author Profile
- Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.
My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.
I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.
At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.
