European stars to perform for Chechnya's leader

MOSCOW (AP) — European dance stars from the past decade are planning to perform at the birthday party of Chechnya's controversial leader.

Kremlin-backed Ramzan Kadyrov, who turned 36 on Friday, is a warlord's son who has been accused of grave rights abuses.

Rights organizations criticized international stars for performing at Kadyrov's birthday last year. Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank apologized for taking part in the gig.

The line-up for Friday's show includes former U.K. dance star Craig David as well as one-hit wonders Steve Edwards and Ingrid.

Respected human rights groups have documented disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Chechnya. A string of the Chechen leader's critics and political rivals have been brutally murdered in recent years. Kadyrov has denied involvement in any of the killings.