Ramzan Kadyrov creates his own reality

Posted By Joshua Keating Monday, August 10, 2009 - 10:31 AM Share

Whatever you say about Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, the guy is comfortable making big promises:

Every year the economy suffers losses but also sees gains and no one knows what's going to happen tomorrow. The only thing I can say is that we'll fully rebuild Chechnya and solve every social problem. Chechnya will be the most successful region in Russia and the world.

Has no interest in feigning sympathy for his recently deceased enemies:

[Recently murdered human rights activist Natalia Estemirova] never had any honor or sense of shame. And still I appointed her head of a [civil society advisory] commission with the mayor of Grozny as her deputy. I wanted to be objective about addressing the issue. But she didn’t like it. She would say stupid things. I told her, "You're a woman, and we're trying to do something for the people. But if it doesn't work, don’t blame us."

And little shame in sucking up to the boss:

By lowering his status [by stepping down as president], Putin again showed his strength and that he's a servant of the people. But that doesn’t change my attitude toward him. I'd still give my life for him.

RFE/RL: Would you like to see Putin become president again?

Kadyrov: Very much. I want Putin to be president of Russia for life.

Check out the whole unbelievable interview with Radio Free Europe, especially Kadyrov's explanation of how human rights groups and violating his human rights by saying such nasty things about him.

AFP/Getty Images

EXPLORE:HUMAN RIGHTS, RUSSIA

(0)

HIDE COMMENTS LOGIN OR REGISTER REPORT ABUSE

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.