State Duma Deputy Attacked in Makhachkala - 28 March, 2003

An attempt on the life of State Duma Deputy Gadzhi Makhachev has been reported from Makhachkala, the capital of one of Chechnya's North Caucasus neighbours, Daghestan.

According to a source in the Makhachkala-based Chief Interior Department, the deputy of the parliament's lower-house was wounded in the arm when he stepped outside the doors of the State University. The incident occurred in Universitetskaya Square, downtown Makhachkala, at 8:40 Moscow time.

Makhachev was taken to hospital. No details were reported.

The police have launched an investigation.

Gadzhi Makhachev acts as the deputy Chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organisations.