Dagestani asserts that he was beaten by district head supporters

Mankuli Lamazov, a resident of Kurukal village and a confidant of Sharafidin Mukhurov, a candidate for a deputy of the district assembly from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), believes that he could be attacked and beaten by supporters of Safidin Mursalov, incumbent head of the Akhtyn District.

"I suspect that it was done by the district court marshals, who are commanded by Mursalov's son Ramadin. There is a witness; so far, he refuses to evidence, but after my recovery I'll talk to him. As far as I'm informed, one suspect of beating me is detained - Aslan Ahmedov, a court marshal; a magazine of his gas pistol was found in the place of the incident," Mr Lamazov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent and added that the attack took place at night on October 1.

"I was driving home; suddenly some persons in masks appeared on the road in front of my car. When I braked, one of them released a stream of tear gas into my face through a half-open window. Then they dragged me out of the car and started beating; I lost consciousness and woke up at the reception ward of the district hospital," says Lamazov and explains that he has not received any direct threats yet. "There were rumours that Mursalov's people were angry that I was campaigning for Mukhurov, that Mankuli will end badly, but they didn't go beyond threats."

The on duty unit of the Akhtyn ROVD (District Interior Division) confirmed that Ahmedov was summoned there.

"Under the criminal case on Lamazov's beating the court marshal was interrogated; but no charges have been brought against him yet," said a ROVD source.

Let us remind you that on October 2 Sharafidin Mukhurov said that Mankuli Lamazov was severely beaten by Mursalov's supporters.

"Mursalov and I are nominated in one and the same constituency. The head of the district is rapidly losing popularity; so, his supporters resort to various tricks, including illegal acts, to keep the post for Mursalov. His people have repeatedly approached me offering to recall my candidacy in his favour. They promised and offered a lot, but I refused; and now Mursalov's people have beaten Lamazov; and he was diagnosed rib fractures, a lacerated head wound and other injuries; doctors don't exclude brain concussion," said Mukhurov.

The on duty unit of the Akhtyn ROVD confirmed the fact of the appeal to the militia; while the head of the Akhtyn District Safidin Mursalov said that he and his supporters have no relation to the incident.