Rights defenders link attempt on Chechen blogger Abdurakhmanov with impunity of Kadyrov's people

Ramzan Kadyrov and his close associates openly have pronounced threats addressed to critics of Chechen authorities, rights defenders and residents of Chechnya have reminded in connection with the recent attempt on the blogger, Tumso Abdurakhmanov.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 26, a man with a hammer penetrated into Abdurakhmanov's apartment and attacked him. Prior to the attack, Tumso received threats, his brother said, adding that at hospital the blogger has no communication means.

Residents of Chechnya are sure that the attack on Abdurakhmanov was caused by his criticism of the Chechen authorities.

Aslan is sure that "sooner or later this was to happen." "Tumso was an active critic of our leadership; probably, he is one of the most hated persons by the authorities ... Last year, they announced blood feuds to him; and threats were expressed by our officials and law enforcers," he said.

A resident of Chechnya, Suleiman, believes that the attempt on Tumso was a demonstration by the Chechen leadership of their broad capabilities.

Now, the pro-governmental resources are trying to prove that the attack on Tumso was staged, said Marina, a local resident.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the "Civil Assistance" Committee, has expressed her concern about the policy of European countries regarding political refugees from Russia. She also linked the incident with Kadyrov's threats to critics and the announcement by the Chechen Speaker Magomed Daudov of blood feud to the blogger.

She has ruled out any domestic motive in the attack, and is convinced that the attacker wanted to kill, not just frighten Tumso Abdurakhmanov.