Kadyrov Calls for Blood Feuds as Russia Masks This as a Fight Against Terror

The Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, at a meeting with security and law enforcement officials of the republic, threatened to kill relatives of Chechens who were suspected of “Wahhabism.”

This statement came after the terrorist attack that happened on June 24, when gunmen carried out attacks in Dagestan’s largest city, Makhachkala, and in the city of Derbent, killing at least 15 police officers and four civilians including a priest.

In a video from a meeting with security forces, Kadyrov says: “If [the suspect] is connected with the shaitans, his entire clan must be punished. This clan must know that they bear full responsibility... And the one who encroaches on his brother, he must understand that in a blood feud we will kill everyoneб father, brother, uncle... I appeal to the Chechen people, observe what your children are doing. Everyone knows the symptoms of Wahhabism, if you see it, immediately inform the local police officer. It’s better that we stop him in time than later kill you, your son, and your brother.”

Press Secretary of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, at a briefing for journalists on June 27, commented on Kadyrov’s calling to kill relatives of those suspected of assassinating security forces. 

“He was talking about those who condone terrorism and are in one way or another directly or indirectly involved in terrorist activities. No one doubts that the fight against terrorists must be irreconcilable and as tough as possible,” said Peskov.