On December 26, Ramzan Kadyrov once again denied the involvement of any "Chechen hand" in the assassination attempt on Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Li, while issuing new threats. He accused Western-oriented media of spreading rumors about discord within the presidential family.
"If I had orchestrated this assassination attempt, I would have completed the job that same day. You should not have such thoughts about me. This matter needs a thorough investigation, including an internal probe into those investigating the case. In any case, I strongly advise all parties not to drag the 'Chechen trace' into various conspiracies...
I also recommend that Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Li avoid overplaying the victim role. Whatever you are planning, it would be wise to stop in time. Otherwise, you will have to answer for all the intrigues and slanders. And I mean answer according to our traditions," Kadyrov stated.
In November, Kadyrov had similarly dismissed reports of a "Chechen trace" in the assassination attempt in Uzbekistan, calling them a political ploy aimed at creating discord between Uzbeks and Chechens.
Kadyrov's statements were reportedly prompted by news that Bislan Rasaev and Shamil Temirhanov, two Russian nationals, were placed on an international wanted list via Interpol in connection with the case.
Initially, the Russian website Lenta.ru reported that these two individuals from Chechnya had attempted to assassinate former Uzbek presidential administration official Komil Allamjonov and Dmitry Li, Director of the National Agency of Perspective Projects. The report claimed the perpetrators were promised a reward of $1.5 million for the killings. Although the original article was later removed, the story spread across other outlets.
On December 26, Kadyrov issued the aforementioned statement. On December 27, Uzbekistan’s Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that the two Russians had been placed on an international wanted list in connection with the assassination attempt. According to the office, Bislan Rasaev and Shamil Temirhanov were charged with illegally entering and exiting Uzbekistan, failing to report a crime, and the illegal possession of firearms.
"Bislan Rasaev and Shamil Temirhanov have been charged in absentia under the relevant articles of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. They have been placed on an international wanted list, with pretrial detention measures applied in absentia," the statement read.
Following the confirmation of the suspects’ involvement and Kadyrov’s threatening remarks, Uzbek deputies and activists responded critically.
