Early release 15 Jan of Russian Colonel Budanov, jailed for 2000 murder of Chechen girl and pardoned late Dec, provoked outrage in Chechnya. Prominent Russian human rights lawyer representing murdered girl’s family, and “Novaya Gazeta” journalist, both shot dead 19 Jan in Moscow after media briefing on plans to appeal Budanov’s release; hundreds protested death in Grozny. Former Chechen rebel Umar Israilov, who in 2006 had accused Kadyrov and others of torture and abductions, murdered in Vienna 13 Jan. Home of Sulim Yamadaev, Russian commander in ongoing political struggle with President Kadyrov, set on fire 15 Jan. Emissary of Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev killed by Russian forces 17 Jan.

2 militants, 2 Russian servicemen killed in 17 Dec fighting at Grozny apartment building. Security forces killed 2 militants near Kerla-Yurt village 3 Dec. Hundreds rallied in Grozny 29 Dec to protest court’s granting of parole to Russian Colonel Budanov, convicted in 2000 for murdering Chechen girl and seen as symbolic of Russian abuses.

Bomb at Grozny apartment building 23 Nov killed 4. In Urus-Martan district, 1 serviceman killed in explosion 19 Nov, Russian troops shot dead militant 9 Nov. Further 4 police officers, 2 rebels killed in separate clashes throughout month. 7 women found shot dead in and near Grozny 26, 28 Nov. Political struggle between President Kadyrov and rival Russian commander Sulim Yamadaev saw Kadyrov increasingly dominant: Russian army official 8 Nov announced disbandment of Yamadaev-led Vostok and Zapad battalions; Yamadaev further accused of killing 2 businessmen 2007.

Militant attacks throughout month left at least 3 security forces dead. Roadside bomb 19 Oct killed 1 soldier. Security forces 9 Oct shot dead 1 militant near Stary Achkhoi village.

Ruslan Yamadayev, rival of pro-Kremlin president Kadyrov, shot dead 24 Sept in Moscow. 3 soldiers killed in separate rebel attacks 12, 18 Sept in Grozny.

Ongoing targeting of security forces saw 1 soldier, 2 suicide bombers killed in 30 Aug attack on Vedeno military camp; 1 soldier left dead 30 Aug after bomb attack on convoy in Serzhan-Yurt village; 2 killed 24 Aug in attack on police convoy; 1 officer fatally shot in armed attack in Urus-Martan district. 2 servicemen left dead in separate incidents 19 Aug.

Continued clashes between security forces, militants saw 5 police, 1 militant killed; rebels fatally shot prosecutor 18 July in Grozny. Roadside bomb near Belgatoi village killed police commander. President Kadyrov 20 July called on Russia to withdraw army from properties occupied “without legal basis”. Mass grave of 300 alleged victims of 1999 Russian attack unearthed 2 July.

Ongoing violence throughout month saw 3 police, 3 civilians killed in 28, 29 June clashes with rebels; 2 separate assaults on military convoys 16 June left 3 dead in Urus-Martan district, Bamut village; 25-60 armed rebels attacked Benoi-Vedeno village 13 June, killing 3 residents. Bomb explosion in Grozny café 9 June injured 12. 1 policeman shot dead in vehicle shooting 23 June. Russian PM Putin announced 120.6 billion rubles ($5 billion) to be spent on developing Chechnya in next 4 years.

Low-level violence continued: remote- controlled bomb killed 5 police 4 May in Grozny in most lethal attack in months; 2 law enforcement officials killed in Urus-Martan 2 May following clash with suspected militants. European Court of Human Rights ruled Russia to pay over €350,000 to 2002-2003 raid victims.

15 Apr gunfight between pro-Kremlin militia Vostok and soldiers loyal to President Kadyrov left 18 dead in Gudermes; public chamber called for dismissal of militia leader Sulim Yamadayev 16 Apr as Chechen President forced to deny sanctioning clash. 2 nieces of human rights ombudsman’s representative killed in 20 Apr gun attack on car. Sunzhen district police chief Ali Gaidamurov found dead after 17 Apr abduction.