Chechen leader denies being 'centre of attention' of multimillion dollar birthday bash

Gronzy, Oct 7(ANI): Chenchen President Ramzan Kadyrov has denied he was the centre of attention of his 35th multimillion dollar birthday party held in the capital city, Grozny.

Grozny had recently hosted Kadyrov's birthday on a floating stage on the River Sunzha.

Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van, actor Hilary Swank and British violinist Vanessa-Mae were among the Hollywood celebrities who attended the event, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

But Kadyrov said the event was held to celebrate the 193rd anniversary of Grozny's founding, which was once torn apart in the wars with Russia.

"There will be no ceremonies around my birthday. I categorically forbid any events to be devoted to it wherever they are," Kadyrov had earlier said.

Kadyrov spent his birthday by inaugurating a riverside complex, a 600-bed hospital, a bridge and a renovated avenue officially named after Kadyrov's father, Akhmad, who was killed in a suicide bombing in 2004.

"Allah gives it to us. I don't know, it comes from somewhere." Kadyrov said, on being asked how the unemployment-ravaged country got finances for hosting the event.

The appearance of the Western celebrities at the event would likely spark outrage among human rights activists who had earlier accused Kadyrov of perpetrating series of abuses including torture and murder, and operating death squads.

Though Kadyrov is fond of luxury goods, sports cars and gold-plated pistols, he threatened to fire any official who tried to gift him a birthday present. (ANI)