Russian officials worry: ISW explained what was behind Kadyrov's statement on "the fourth shot in the forehead"

Russian officials appear to be increasingly concerned about the weakening of authoritarian control in the regions on the periphery of the Russian Federation. This is evidenced, in particular, by the reaction of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov to the anti-Semitic riots in the Republic of Dagestan on October 29.

This conclusion was reached by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). They noted that a supporter of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin praised his accusations against Western countries. The Kremlin leader said that they had deliberately organized a situation aimed at destabilizing Russia.

For his part, Kadyrov ordered Chechnya's security forces to immediately detain instigators of any potential unrest or "fire three warning shots in the air and then fire a fourth in the forehead."

"Kadyrov's reaction to the unrest in Dagestan suggests that he tries to maintain the perception of his unwavering support for Putin. Secondly, he wants to demonstrate the strength of his authoritarian rule in Chechnya by threatening a violent response to possible future unrest," the analysts said.

Kadyrov gave the order for harsh detentions and even executions to representatives of the Interior Ministry and the Rosgvardia during a meeting in the Chechen government.

"If we have at least one person who goes on an unauthorized riot, detain and imprison him. Make three warning shots in the air and then, if the person does not comply with the law, make a fourth shot in the forehead. They will not come out again. This is my order," Kadyrov said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Earlier, ISW noted that Kadyrov has to balance between interests within Chechnya and the "all-Russian" policy. In particular, he is trying to get both the support of his Muslim voters in the republic and the favor of the Kremlin, which supports the "ultra-nationalist Orthodox religion."

- The Defense Intelligence explained that the news about the coma and serious condition of the head of Chechnya was not an exaggeration, although the odious politician is still alive and even continues to perform his key duties. Kadyrov still regularly visits doctors and his condition is unstable.

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