CHECHNYA:Ramzan Kadyrov, a former rebel fighter accused of widespread human rights abuses, took control of Chechnya yesterday after being elevated from prime minister to president of the war- ravaged Russian republic.
Mr Kadyrov (30), who controls a militia of thousands, owns a pet tiger and is said to have tortured one opponent with a blowtorch, was promoted by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, late on Thursday. His predecessor and long-time competitor, Alu Alkhanov, was ushered aside to a job at the federal justice ministry.
The promotion marked a coup for a young tough who has transformed Grozny into a shrine to himself, with his portrait gazing down from street hoardings. It followed months of rumours and speculation, but Mr Kadyrov's rise to acting president still provoked outrage among critics, who accuse his armed units of beatings, kidnapping and murder.
"This shows you Putin's contempt for the Chechens," said Usam Baysaev, an analyst with the human rights group Memorial. "A man with people around him that only know how to kill and torture has been handed the reins of power."
Friends of murdered journalist Anna Politkovskaya suspect Mr Kadyrov's security forces were involved. He has denied it, saying: "I don't kill women." Two Chechens have reportedly been arrested over the killing.
While there will have to be a new election, few doubt that Mr Kadyrov, who is credited with rebuilding much of Grozny, will be the victor.
"Look, there, a new school, there, new houses, over there a hospital, refurbished," said Apti (39), a taxi driver and father of four. "All of this happened under Ramzan. This year they will restore my two apartments that were destroyed. Should I be unhappy?"