Mother of suspect of murdering Pshikhachev denies her family's links with Astimir Mamishev

Marina Mamisheva, a resident of Nalchik and mother of Astimir Mamishev, who is searched on charges of committing a number of crimes, claims that her family - she and her two other sons - have no relation to Astimir's activities.

Astimir Mamishev is suspected of committing a series of resonant murders, including the killing of Mufti Anas Pshikhachev and an employee of the UFSIN (Federal Punishment Enforcement Service) Albert Altuev.

"We haven't seen Astimir for two years; we know nothing about his whereabouts; and we have no connections with him," Ms Mamisheva told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

She said that her family lost peace; they live in constant tension and feel moral pressure. "Since early November, our house was searched five times," said Marina. "I don't want my other two sons to have problems because of Astimir. They have their own families and two children in each of them. They aren't guilty of anything."

Ms Mamisheva said that on December 4 her eldest son, Kantemir Mamishev, was detained by law enforcement agents in the micro-district Alexandrovka, where he works. According to Marina, they captured him and knocked down; and when they lifted him up, as his mother said, there were 60 rounds in his pockets - 30 in one pocket and 30 in the other one. He was then taken to a police station and beaten there. They kept him there from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and then released under recognizance not to leave. Now, the Mamishevs are waiting for the trial.

"I've appealed to all human rights organizations asking to defend my two elder sons, who have nothing to do with any crimes," said Mamisheva.

She was growing up her sons alone - her husband died ten years ago. Two years ago her youngest son Astimir, which differed from others by his weak health, left the house. Mamisheva believes that Astimir got under the influence of religious extremists.

"I don't believe that my Astimir was involved in killings," she said. "And if he was, then I have no more any son named Astimir; and I want only one thing for him - to be killed as soon as possible, so that my other children could breathe freely."

Valery Khatazhukov, head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Human Rights Centre, said in his comment on the situation that the militia must act within the bounds of the law, as violence applied by power agents gives rise to violence in response.