ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — About 30,000 people have signed an online petition against naming a new bridge in St. Petersburg after the late Moscow-backed president of Chechnya.

The petition argues that Akhmat Kadyrov, who died in a 2004 rebel bombing, had no relation to the city. He is the father of the current leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, who is seen by the Kremlin as key for stability of the region following two separatist wars but widely criticized by rights groups.

The motion came after an official panel recommended naming the bridge, which opened last month, after the older Kadyrov.

The decision lies with the city governor, who hasn't yet spoken on the subject.