Ramzan Kadyrov calls ban on public prayers separatist

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has sharply criticized an initiative in the Andropov district of Stavropol that would ban prayers in public places and impose fines on violators.

He reportedly called the document "blatant discrimination and legal chaos," insisting that Russia's 30 million Muslims have equal rights with everyone else.

Kadyrov noted that the Stavropol Territory is part of the North Caucasus Federal District. It is surrounded by Muslim republics and has long-standing interethnic ties.

He also said, "In such circumstances, such statements by local authorities are not only ignorant, but also dangerous and illogical."

The leader of Chechnya called on officials not to artificially create pretexts for interethnic hostility, but rather to build mosques so that Muslims can pray.