GROZNY, Russia -- A prominent opposition activist from Russia's North Caucasus region of Ingushetia has been detained in neighboring Chechnya.
Magomed Khazbiyev's lawyer, Khedi Ibriyeva (eds: a woman) says her client has been taken to custody for 48 hours and is currently in a detention center in the Chechen capital, Grozny.
According to Ibriyeva, the authorities have not charged Khazbiyev with any crime or explained his detention.
Khazbiyev's detention came days after officials said unidentified gunmen opened fire at Khazbiyev's car in Grozny on February 1.
Khazbiyev, a fierce critic of Ingush officials and President Vladimir Putin, has faced pressure from the authorities for years.
He was in Kyiv last year supporting pro-Western protesters who ousted a Russian-backed president.
On January 25, Khazbiyev’s father and two brothers were detained on suspicion of car theft, in what his supporters said was an effort to put pressure on him.
Chechnya is ruled by Ramzan Kadyrov, who portrays himself as fiercely loyal to Putin.
