Relatives of Akhmed Zakayev could have been kidnapped in Chechnya

On May 19, in Chechnya, security forces allegedly kidnapped two nephews of the head of the government of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in exile, Akhmed Zakayev. It is reported by "Caucasus. Realities”, referring to eyewitnesses of the incident.

Earlier, Zakayev, who is now in Ukraine, spoke several times about the pressure that is being exerted on his relatives in Chechnya. Brother, politician Ali Zakaev, who lives in the city of Urus-Martan, was forced to record video messages criticizing him in 2021 and 2022. Other relatives were subjected to arrests with phone searches.

In September 2022, Ramzan Kadyrov publicly called on the natives of the republic participating in the war in Ukraine to kill Akhmed Zakayev in exchange for freedom and a secure life.

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