In Astrakhan, journalist Oleg Teplischev complains of strengthened pressure

The independent journalist Oleg Teplischev, who figures as a victim in the case on the attack on journalists during the election of Astrakhan Mayor on October 11, 2009, said that last week he experienced increased pressure on him.

"Over the past seven days, I confronted a series of misadventures," Oleg Teplischev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "I was taken to the infectious hospital; my apartment was robbed; I received a notification about imminent eviction of my family out of the apartment; and the latest news - they discharged me from the hospital without curing."

According to his story, on February 4, when Teplischev was in hospital, and his mother was away from home, his apartment was robbed. "They took away all the valuables, all the money, expensive equipment and winter clothes. All I have been left with - a cap, a sweater and a windbreaker; and 12 roubles of money," said the journalist. "They literally left me without livelihood. No money for the treatment of my son, no money for the kindergarten and food."

Six days after the robbery, on February 10, Oleg Teplischev was notified that his family would be evicted from the apartment. According to the journalist, in 2007 the authorities ruled that the house, where the Teplischevs' apartment is located, was in the emergency condition and subject to demolition. Oleg Teplischev held an independent examination for his own money, which showed that his house was not an emergency one.

He believes that everything what happened with him was reflection of the pressure of the authorities. He was beaten when covering the election of Astrakhan Mayor on October 11, 2009, and asserts that he was attacked by people of Rifkat Shabanov, a deputy of the regional Duma. Shabanov filed a counterclaim, saying that it was Teplischev who beat him.

So far, the "Caucasian Knot" has no comments of the authorities of Astrakhan on the conditions of the house, where Teplischev lives, and on the reasons for eviction of his family.