Old Ritualists assert the fight with militia in Sochi was provoked by local bureaucrat

In Sochi, the fight of Old Ritualists with militiamen on April 23 was provoked by an official of local administration who applied physical force to a young pregnant woman.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Dmitri Drofichev, head of the community of Old Ritualists that the administration official also tried to prevent video recording of the events. His actions caused yesterday's disorders during the visit of the Coordination Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Mr Drofichev has added that they had to call an ambulance to the suffered woman.

"The doctors who arrived in the ambulance said that they would render medical aid only if instructed by local officials to do so. This caused a 30-minute delay," said Dmitri. "Today she filed a written complaint to the public prosecutor of the Adler District of Sochi describing the actions of local bureaucrats."

The community head refused to give the woman's name, as she gave no consent so far. According to Dmitri Drofichev, about 20 members of his community suffered during yesterday's incident. Now, they are examined by doctor to have beating traces fixed. However, Drofichev said that his people would not appeal against the actions of militiamen, since the guilt is not on them but on the official local power whose name is now being found out.