Chechnya President Orders Muslim Rule
- Share via
Aslan Maskhadov, president of Russia’s separatist province of Chechnya, said his mainly Muslim region will now base its life entirely on traditional Islamic sharia law. It was not immediately clear how exactly Chechnya would be ruled and whether the president’s post would remain, but Maskhadov made clear all spheres, including government, education and military, will be affected. Maskhadov, considered a moderate in Moscow, faces pressure to step down from his more radical and more religious rivals. The announcement appeared to be a bid to regain his grip on power. Russia withdrew its troops from Chechnya after signing a 1997 peace deal. No country has recognized Chechnya as independent, but Russia exerts no control over the region.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
