Kadyrov condemns Kremlin's anti-immigration stance

Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, harshly criticised Russia's Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev and the head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, as reported by the "Moscow Times" portal. They are responsible for tightening immigration policies following the terrorist attack at the Crocus Hall in Moscow.

During the TV programme, he accused them of fuelling anti-immigration sentiments and tensions with neighbouring countries - Ukraine and Georgia. Kadyrov referred to the case of the Chechen teenager who appeared in a Moscow court for participating in a street fight. The young man claims he was defending weaker individuals. Kadyrov appealed for help to deputies, senators, and human rights defenders.

Ramzan Kadyrov stated that after the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia tightened its immigration policy, leading to as many as 2 million people leaving the country. Particularly strict regulations are said to affect people from former USSR countries.

Kolokoltsev gave the command and now the newcomers are being beaten, detained and kicked out. And then they say no one wants to be friends with us. Why did we lose Ukraine, Georgia? Why are [Russia’s] relations with other states strained? They don’t know what’s happening in the country because they don’t travel to the regions and don’t talk to the people, said Kadyrov, quoted by "Moscow Times."

Kadyrov, who governs the Muslim republic of Chechnya in the North Caucasus, often criticises key figures in the Kremlin. Recently, he spoke harshly about the Russian Ministry of Defence.

He accused them of numerous mistakes in the war with Ukraine. This followed a successful counteroffensive by the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainians managed to regain control over cities, including Balakliia and Kupiansk.