Russian investigative journalist insulted by Chechen leader for reporting on strict anti-coronavirus measures
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Russian investigative journalist Elena Milashina has come under a scathing attack by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov for reporting on the region’s strict anti-coronavirus measures.
In her story, published in the Novaya Gazeta, the journalist spoke with quarantined Chechens who said that they were not reporting coronavirus symptoms any longer for fear of being labelled as “terrorists”. Describing her story as “provocative”, Kadyrov is quoted by The Moscow Times to have accused “that woman, if you can call her that,” of writing “nonsense.”
The Gazeta quoted Kadyrov to have said on an Instagram live session: “I’m fed up! If you want us to commit a crime and become criminals, then say so. “Someone will take on this burden of responsibility and will be punished under the law”.
On another network, Telegram, Milashina attacked the newspaper as an“anti-Russian newspaper whose corrupt journalists receive awards in the West and the United States.”
Milashina was earlier this year physically attacked in Grozny as she arrived to attend the trial of a blogger with disability who was jailed for posting a video of the alleged property of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s family.
Chechnya, has imposed strict border controls and has so far reported 64 coronavirus cases and five deaths. The Moscow Times also reports that people were beaten up in the streets for not wearing protective masks and gloves.
