Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has proposed killing internet users who “insult someone’s honor” online, according to BBC Russia’s translation of the outspoken Russian regional chief’s remarks Wednesday.
Kadyrov appeared to be referencing a Russian law enacted this year that punishes those who “disrespect” government institutions online. A majority of those fined or jailed under the law so far were found to have shown “blatant disrespect” toward President Vladimir Putin.
Kadyrov recommended “breaking all the world’s laws” in pursuit of eradicating offending comments online while speaking at a Chechen administration session on small and medium-sized businesses, BBC Russia reported.
“If we don’t stop — by killing, jailing, scaring — those who violate unity among the people by spreading rumors and discord, nothing will happen,” Kadyrov was quoted as saying in his native Chechen language.
Predicting that the media will misconstrue his words — “Now they’ll all be saying ‘Ramzan said to kill them’” — Kadyrov attempted to explain who he wants to target, saying that those who follow the law, the constitution and democracy would be spared.
“All the rest are crooks, traitors, tattletales and schizophrenics of all stripes. We must stop them,” he said.
“I’ll accept any punishment in this world. Let me be jailed or killed, so I’ll die. I’m 45, what else am I to do in this world?” he continued.
A spokesman for Kadyrov later claimed that the BBC had mistranslated the Chechen leader's words.
"The translator of the [BBC] broadcasting corporation knows the Chechen language as well as I speak Tahitian," Kadyrov's spokesman told Interfax on Thursday.
Kadyrov has previously promised violence toward anyone who leaves offensive comments about residents of Chechnya online.
“If you insult my blood, my race or my people... we will break your fingers and we will tear out your tongue,” he said on his Instagram in June.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
