In Astrakhan, opposition accuses Mayor Bozhenov of persecutions

On October 11, Astrakhan will elect city Mayor. The incumbent Mayor Sergey Bozhenov has also nominated himself to the post. In the opinion of oppositional candidates, Bozhenov's supporters are pressing on them by involving criminals and corrupted militiamen. The Mayor's electoral office rejects the accusations, but the militia has initiated a check.

"The point is not in our indignation, but in our worry for safety of our supporters," said Oleg Shein, "since in a couple of recent weeks we've witnessed criminal actions next to terror acts committed by adherents of the existing Astrakhan power. It looks like otherwise the current Mayoralty would not survive." 

Mr Shein said about numerous crimes, committed, as he believes, by Bozhenov's "hirelings". According to his story, the fixed-route taxis bearing posters of the opposition are exposed to attacks: "They cut tires, remove number plates and beat drivers and passengers." At night, criminals cut off banners of oppositional candidates. Sergey Bozhenov, in Mr Shein's opinion, has introduced complete control over local media. 

"Our picketers, who disseminate leaflets, are attacked every day," Oleg Shein said. "On September 25, there were two such attacks. People were forced inside the buildings of the Turusov and Lenin administrations, although these actions are clearly under the criminal code. They threw a bottle with gasoline and fuse into the bedroom of one of our comrades, where his wife and small daughter live."

"Therefore, I found it reasonable to publicly address my open letter (to Vladislav Surkov, first deputy head of Russian President's administration, - comment of the "Caucasian Knot"), because our opponents will not hear to any advice from the Kremlin machinery."

According to Shein's statement, from the start of the election campaign, distributors of his printed matter have been attacked at least forty times.

See earlier reports: "Opposition rally dispersed in Astrakhan," "Krasnodar, Sochi and Astrakhan took part in All-Russian "Day of Anger"."