Opinion: Ramzan Kadyrov wants to be global Muslim number one

[TomSea]

Opinion: Ramzan Kadyrov wants to be global Muslim number one

President Vladimir Putin aside, only one person in Russia seems to be above the law. And Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has set his sights even higher, says Russian journalist Konstantin Eggert.

Chechnya is one of more than eighty constituent regions of the Russian Federation. Since 2004 however, Ramzan Kadyrov has ruled the autonomous republic as a personal fiefdom subject to Russian law in all but name.

Elements of Sharia law are part and parcel of local life. Offending "Ramzan", as he is referred to in Russia, in a blogpost or writing a harmless petition against the Chechen authorities could lead to a public flogging. This will then be broadcast on YouTube.

Political opponents and human rights activists disappear from time to time without a trace. Local police and interior ministry troops consist largely of Kadyrov loyalists – former separatist fighters turned Russian servicemen.

Continued: http://www.dw.com/en/opinion-ramzan-kadyrov-wants-to-be-global-muslim-number-one/a-40378749