GROZNY, Russia -- A prominent opposition activist in Russia's North Caucasus region of Ingushetia has been attacked in neighboring Chechnya.
Magomed Khazbiyev's lawyer said on February 2 that unidentified men opened fire at his client near a hospital in the Chechen capital, Grozny, on February 1.
Chechen Interior Ministry officials said police are searching for the attackers and the car they opened fire from.
Khazbiyev's car was riddled with bullets in the attack.
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 protesers 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.