Chechnya profile

The southern Russian republic of Chechnya has long been a boiling point for conflict with Moscow in the restive North Caucasus.

After a decade of unsuccessfully fighting for independence, the autonomous region is now firmly under the control of its Russian-appointed leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, although separatist groups continue low-level guerrilla attacks.

In addition, jihadist groups, including those aligned with Islamic State terrorist organization, exist in the region.

Oil-rich Chechnya has enjoyed a period of relative stability under Mr Kadyrov. But critics have accused the pro-Moscow leader and his government of suppressing media and other freedoms, as well as human rights violations including kidnappings and torture.

The capital Grozny was flattened in 1994 by the Russian army in its conflict with Chechnya's separatist movement

President: Ramzan Kadyrov

Ramzan Kadyrov, son of assassinated President Akhmad Kadyrov and a former rebel fighter, was nominated for the Chechen presidency by Russian President Vladimir Putin in spring 2007.

His tenure has marked a period of relative stability in Chechnya. Human rights groups have criticised Mr Kadyrov for allowing serious human rights violations to flourish in the republic.

The United States has imposed financial sanctions on Kadyrov, accusing him of a systematic campaign of repression.

Mr Kadyrov has defended himself against critics, insisting that iron rule is required to bring stability.

State run media, such as Vesti Respubliki, tend to toe the official line

Reporters Without Borders includes President Kadyrov on its list of "Predators of Press Freedom". Chechnya has no opposition media. TV is the most popular medium and local broadcasts fall under state control.

The Chechen government has taken steps to tighten online control. Mr Kadyrov is an enthusiastic social media user.

Some key dates in Chechnya's history:

Chechen volunteers gather in the capital in 1994 in the hope of protecting it from the Russian army