Monologue for Two: Akhmed Zakayev

Talking to him clearly helps to understand the Caucasian region which he represents. However similarly to the interview with Bukovsky, which was conducted recently, he provides you with a broader view on the events of the past that undoubtedly hold power over present yet still demand further interaction with the subject. Zakayev is clearly very fond of his nation. He is undoubtedly a patriot, which however can show bias in his opinion. But Mr. Zakayev highlights this himself, stating that his opinions as a participant of these events might look debatable. However I believe that this insight adds sincerity and shows his passion for the subject.

It's interesting to view Akhmed Zakayev in the context on the modern day Chechnya that is truly overlooked by the West and isn't regarded as a sovereign state. As the result we can argue that Ramzan Kadyrov’s poor leadership and lack of political forward thinking lead to the demonisation to Chechnya, which otherwise would've been a dominant Caucasian state. Although Zakayev may seem unknown to the young crowd in western countries, he is the key to understanding the current political situation in the region.

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Akhmed Zakayev was born in the Kirovskiy region while it still was the Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union, which is now in Almaty Region, in Kazakhstan; his family was deported during Stalin's regime along with many other Chechens. He graduated from acting schools in Voronezh and Moscow and worked as an actor at a theatre in the Chechen capital Grozny, specialising in Shakespearean roles. From 1991, he was the chairman of the Chechen Union of the Theatrical Actors. In 1994, Zakayev became a Minister of Culture in the Chechen separatist government of Dzhokhar Dudayev.

Later, Akhmed Zakayev became Deputy Prime Minister and shortly after, Prime Minister of the legally unrecognised Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (ChRI). He was also the Foreign Minister of the Ichkerian government, appointed by various leaders within the nine year period. During the First Chechen war Zakayev took part in various battles, including battle for Grozny and other military operations, as well as in high-level negotiations with the Russian side.

In 2002, Russia accused him, by then in exile, of having been involved in a series of crimes including involvement in acts of terrorism. In 2003, court in London rejected the extradition request due to lack of evidence and declared the accusations to be politically motivated, also saying that there was substantial risk of Zakayev being tortured if he was to return to Moscow.

About Monologue for Two

An inspiring short film interview series spanning generations and cross-pollinating subjects, brought to you by 16 year old Daniella Kaliada who explains, “I'm 16 years old and I am a political refugee in the UK. Four years ago I was smuggled out of Belarus with my parents during the dictatorship’s deadly election crackdown. Living in London, I finally discovered freedom and have come to understand that it is multifaceted. In this interview series I ask luminaries in their field, how they came to do what they do and advice they can give my generation. As I approach leaving school and getting on in the world, I seek to understand the lessons learned by previous generations and the wisdom they can pass on.”