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Chechen TV Claims Europe Created Lifelike Kadyrov Mask for ‘Provocation’ Plot

Critics have accused Kadyrov of perpetrating a string of killings of Chechen critics of his rule on European soil. Taisiya Borshigova / TASS

In an alleged plot that sounds like something out of a James Bond film, Chechen state television has put forward the theory that Europe is planning a "provocation" against the Russian region's leader by impersonating him with a hyper-lifelike mask.

In a tweet posted Tuesday, the state-run Grozny television channel posted a short black-and-white video showing a 360-degree view of the mask, which is nearly identical to Kadyrov’s face.

Grozny TV obtained the information from the anonymous Chechnya-focused eldit_net Instagram page, where the alleged plot was first reported. 

The operation, codenamed “Twin,” is reportedly at the final stage of preparation and the alleged provocateurs are currently searching for a candidate to play Kadyrov’s role, eldit_net said, without citing any sources.

No further details on the operation’s goals or its perpetrators have been reported. 

Earlier this year, critics accused Kadyrov of perpetrating a string of killings of Chechen critics of his rule on European soil. He has dismissed the allegations, saying foreign intelligence agencies were responsible.

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