(no subject)

[merchimerch]

R and I had a dodgy experience this morning. People in police uniforms knocked on our door this morning asking to come in and do an "inspection." I have heard of this happening before, infact it happened to one of our other american friends just yesterday. After a knock on the door (which was remarkably weak, expecially for the police) R looked through the peep hole and saw that it was people in police uniforms and told me to go deal with it. I asked them what they wanted (in Russian) and they waved a folder at me (but no identitfication) and said they needed to do an inspection. I wasn't buying it so I said that the landlord wasn't there and that I was going to call her. They asked for the last name of the landlord and I said "just a minute, I'm calling her." The landlord didn't pick up the phone but by the time I went back to the door they had gone. It was a very mild experience, all things considered, but rattled my nerves a little. I've spent much of today calling our friend who had this happen yesterday, the Embassy, ACCELS, and am still trying to reach our landlord. I'm very grateful that R is here with me, and hopefully all will be okay. Still I find it very possible that we are being specifically targeted, because they did the same thing to my friend yesterday and she lives on the other side of Tashkent. I also spoke with my neighbor and she said that noone knocked on her door today and gave me the normal advice of not opening the door for anyone.

At the embassy I found out the specific protocol incase the actual police come knocking. I still don't have to open the door, I can ask for their name, badge number, and regiment and then call the Embassy and they will double check that the inspection is legit. Also I have the right to request an official letter be slid under the door explaining the exact nature of the need for inspection.

So I'm a little freaked out, but am glad that this has enabled me to learn what the specific policy is for this kind of situtation.

Just wanted to keep you all informed, please don't worry - I really am safe here - the embassy would have sent someone over if they thought I was in real danger.

Comments

[mshathvri.livejournal.com]

=( =( =(

*freaks out from half-way across the world*
Yay for the Embassy. I'm glad you have them there.

[sps.livejournal.com]

You know, here in Canada we once had a visit from the police at the office, and they told us that if the police came to the office we were not to let them in but to dial 911 immediately(!). Shades of Bladerunner (the book, not the movie). Apparently one of the local police departments had gone into business for itself!

Weird shit happens everywhere.

That said, I hope it's all ok for you....