Adam Kadyrov, the 16-year-old son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, has been awarded the republic’s highest honor—the Kadyrov Order. This marks his tenth distinction since last year’s incident in which he assaulted Nikita Zhuravel, who was accused of burning the Quran, while Zhuravel was held in a Grozny detention center, Radio Freedom reports.
Chechen Minister of Press and Information Akhmed Dudayev announced the award, calling it “a well-deserved recognition of high moral qualities and dedication to the cause.” Adam Kadyrov, who serves as head of security for his father, Ramzan Kadyrov, is now one of the youngest recipients of this prestigious award.
Just days before receiving the honor, on August 21, Adam Kadyrov shared two photos on Instagram with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one of which shows him standing next to Putin at the foot of an airplane.
The incident that led to Kadyrov’s numerous accolades occurred on August 15, 2023, when he assaulted Nikita Zhuravel, who was accused of burning the Quran, in a Grozny detention center. Police declined to file charges against Adam Kadyrov, as he was 15 years old at the time, below the age of criminal responsibility.
Following the incident, the young Kadyrov was granted the title of “Hero of Chechnya” and appointed head of his father’s security department. He was also awarded top orders and medals from several other regions and religious organizations, including the “For Merit to the Ummah” and “For Service to Islam” I degree orders. Some of these honors, including the Chechen “Daimokhkan Siy” (“Pride of the Nation”) order, are typically restricted by age.
