Russian regional strongman steps down amid criticism, accusations of corruption, violations

Russian regional strongman resigns amid criticism

MOSCOW — A longtime regional leader from central Russia has resigned amid allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

Murtaza Rakhimov has governed the Volga River region of Bashkortostan with an iron hand since 1993.

Opposition leaders have accused him of allowing rampant lawlessness, extrajudicial killings and torture in the mostly Muslim, oil-rich region of 4 million people.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev praised Rakhimov for his “fruitful service” in televised remarks Thursday after accepting his resignation.

Rakhimov’s departure follows a squall of critical reports in Kremlin-controlled media that accused his family of corruption and ties to organized crime.

The Kremlin named energy official Rustem Khamitov as a temporary governor of Bashkortostan.