Experts link search of Yaraliev's home with attempt to remove him from elections

The Federal Centre is putting pressure on Imam Yaraliev in order to eliminate his impact on the upcoming elections, said the experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot". According to their version, the former Mayor of Derbent is influencing the political situation in Southern Dagestan, which is raising fears in Moscow and Makhachkala.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 18, law enforcement sources reported about the searches conducted in Yaraliev's houses and apartments within the inquiry into the case related to abuse of power. It was reported that during the searches some weapons were found; and force was used to break into one of the apartments.

Milrad Fatullaev, the editor-in-chief of the "Derbent" News Agency, asserts that there was no assault of Yaraliev's house during the searches.

According to his version, only a search was conducted only in Yaraliev's house located in Ataev Street in Derbent.

Mr Fatullaev believes that the Federal Centre is restricting the influence of Dagestani political players on the eve of elections to the republic's parliament and Russian State Duma.

Gusen Shakhpazov, the head of the executive committee of the Federal Lezgin National-Cultural Autonomy, suggests that the anti-Yaraliev information campaign "was initiated at the regional level."

In his turn, Magomed Khanmagomedov, the head of the Anti-Corruption Council "Ogni" (Lights) has noticed that in Dagestan "the authorities continue getting rid of odious politicians."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.