Akhmad Kadyrov

The explosion killed Kadyrov almost instantly and threw into question the only plan Russia has mustered to quell a violent rebellion in the troubled republic. At least seven other people were killed, including state council leader Khusayn Isayev -- the third-most powerful politician in Chechnya -- and a journalist covering the event. Lt. Gen. Valery Baranov, Russia's top military commander in the region, was among 50 others injured by the blast.

Authorities said a 152 mm artillery shell was placed directly beneath the seating area where Kadyrov and other dignitaries sat for Victory Day, which commemorates the Nazi defeat in World War II.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 15, 2004
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