Russia: journalist Elena Milachina, specialist in Chechnya, forced into exile

Russian journalist Elena Milachina, flanked by former US First Lady Michelle Obama and former US Secretary of State John Kerry, in March 2013 for an award honoring women's courage.

© AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

This time, it is not Vladimir Putin who is in question, but Ramzan Kadyrov.

Chechnya's leader is behind death threats against Russian journalist Elena Milachina of the independent

Novaya Gazeta

newspaper . 

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With our correspondent in Moscow,

Jean Cassey

Between Ramzan Kadyrov and the journalists of the independent daily

Novaïa Gazeta

, the enmity is old.

The newspaper has always paid particular attention to human rights violations committed in this formerly separatist republic, which Kadyrov now administers on behalf of Moscow.

Attention that has already cost Novaya Gazeta

dearly

.

The 2006 murder of journalist

Anna Politkovskaya

was certainly linked to her work in Chechnya.

The newspaper is regularly targeted by Kadyrov and his associates, who do not hesitate to call its reporters "terrorists" and openly threaten them with death.

►

To listen also: Elena Milachina, the heiress of Anna Politkovskaïa

Kadyrov expands his influence in Russia

In recent weeks, a new step has been taken.

Chechnya is making headlines in the Russian press following the kidnapping in January of a

family of opponents

in exile in another region of Russia, by Chechen agents.

The case had shocked many.

If it is generally accepted that Russian laws do not really apply to Chechen territory, seeing Kadyrov extend his influence to the rest of the country is a challenge.

Judging the " 

real

 " and " 

dangerous

 " threats, Elena Milachina preferred to leave the country, in principle temporarily.

The Kremlin, for its part, shines with its discretion.

No official condemnation followed this wave of threats and hatred by the man who is, in principle, a Russian elected official.

Recognizing the fact that the laws definitely do not apply to Ramzan Kadyrov.

2020 RSF Prize for Courage, @novaya_gazeta journalist Elena #Milachina has to leave #Russia due to threats from Chechen leaders.

RSF calls on the federal authorities to react to the despicable attacks targeting several media and journalists.

#NoImpunity pic.twitter.com/HF8yKAhvqp

— RSF (@RSF_inter) February 4, 2022

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To read also: Georgia: a journalist targeted by an assassination attempt

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  • Russia

  • Chechnya

  • Media

  • Freedom of press

  • Journalism

  • Ramzan Kadyrov