Ramzan Kadurov

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'Russia's Osama' Dead, Militants Say

Chechen rebel Doku Umarov replaced by Dagestani

(Newser) - The Chechen rebel leader labeled "Russia's Osama" has been declared dead by authorities several times but this time looks like the real deal: A website used as a mouthpiece for Islamic militant groups in southern Russia says Doku Umarov, 49, has joined those "who fulfilled their contract...

Crazy Restricted Zone Goes Up Around Sochi Today

Vladimir Putin's measures may be most extreme of any Olympics

(Newser) - An ominous new report on Vocativ says the Sochi Olympics may be the most extreme, security-wise, in the history of the Games—the site describes "a gulag-style restricted area" instituted by Vladimir Putin. The Christian Science Monitor calls the restricted zone the "ring of steel," an area...

Swank Fires Long-Time Staff Over Dictator Gaffe

Sure, she's partially to blame, but 'she can't fire herself,' says source

(Newser) - Hilary Swank quickly apologized after taking part in a dictator’s birthday celebration—and promised to donate the cash fee she received to charity—but apparently that wasn’t enough. Last week, the Oscar-winning actress fired her manager of eight years, whom the Independent reports is also a friend. Two...

Gunmen Storm Chechen Parliament

6 killed in Grozny attack

(Newser) - At least six people were killed when insurgents stormed the parliament complex in the capital of Russia's troubled Chechnya region today, security forces say. Three attackers, including one suicide bomber, are believed to be among the dead, AP reports. Two police officers and a parliamentary official were also killed before...

Russian High Court Reopens Case of Murdered Journalist

Suspicion of Anna Politkovskaya's killers leads to Chechnya

(Newser) - Russia's supreme court ordered a new investigation into the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, the crusading journalist whose killers have not yet been found, reports the Guardian. The move received a cautious welcome from Politkovskaya's lawyer, who welcomed a new manhunt but said, "Whether the general prosecutor will use this...

Chechen Activist Murdered; Prez Eyed

(Newser) - A human rights activist whose probes into abuse by authorities were a constant irritation to authorities has been kidnapped and murdered in Chechnya, the Wall Street Journal reports. Natalya Estemirova was found shot dead along a roadside hours after witnesses saw her being bundled into a car. Chechnya's president, pro-Russia...

4 Acquitted in Russian Journalist's Murder

Politkovskaya's killer remains at large after shambolic trial

(Newser) - Four men were acquitted today on charges related to the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, a prominent Russian journalist shot dead in 2006. Two Chechen brothers and a former Moscow policeman were found not guilty of offering operational support to her killer, and a Russian spy was cleared in a related...

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