Head of Chechnya Kadyrov says his remarks not aimed at legitimate opposition in Russia
MOSCOW. Jan 18 (Interfax) - Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov says his recent controversial statements were not directed against legitimate opposition in Russia and suggested that Human Rights Commissioner Ella Pamfilova "hurried too much" to criticize him.
"I was talking not about the legitimate opposition, which raises social and economic problems, housing and utilities issues, and others!" Kadyrov said on Instagram.
Kadyrov said he had earlier "made a firm statement about those who left Russia and are slinging mud from there and slandering our country."
"They threaten Russia, they keep traveling to the U.S. and European capitals and suggesting what sanctions should be imposed to undermine Russia's economy, security and stability. They also threaten to return Crimea in 30 seconds. I wonder where! It's them and their stooges inside the country that I meant by saying that the non-systemic opposition should be brought to justice," Kadyrov said.
He also said he was perplexed by criticism leveled at him by Human Rights Commissioner Ella Pamfilova.
"I don't understand why Human Rights Commissioner Ella Pamfilova, whom I respect, made such harsh statements. She had never spoken in such terms, whatever happened in the country. I believe Ella Alexandrovna [Pamfilova] hurried too much," he said.
Kadyrov said he didn't consider "the people always looking toward the West" to be "part of our society."
"They immediately started making loud statements about some threats and other things. I'll say openly: I didn't threaten," he said.
"If they perceived my opinion as a threat, then they understand that we gave our lives for Russia, for our Fatherland, and we are ready for anything only to defend our Motherland," Kadyrov said.
"And a healthy society, which embraces more than 146 million citizens of Russia, should not allow itself to be dragged into a slander campaign," he said.
During a meeting with journalists in Grozny on January 12, Kadyrov called the non-systemic opposition "enemies of the people" and said they should face trial for sabotage.
The presidential Human Rights Council and Ella Pamfilova criticized Kadyrov's statement. A group of human rights activists and public figures also called Kadyrov's remarks unacceptable in a state governed by law.