You're reading: Voice of America: Chechen leader’s crackdowns threaten Russia, risk radicalizing population

Chechnya’s newly elected strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, has sought to weed out challenges to his rule. Supporters say his iron fist approach is needed to maintain peace in Chechnya after two brutal wars and the threat of militants, including those returning from fighting in Syria. But, critics say it risks radicalizing more locals and threatens the development of democracy in Russia as a whole.

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