Alexander Popkov, a Sochi-based lawyer who has defended local activists, said door-to-door searches in Sochi were conducted in two waves. During the first in September and October, police and the Federal Migration Service conducted extensive checks, working with 60 teams around the clock from district to district to try to reach every home.
Despite this large-scale effort, the searches in Sochi were "superficial and could only uncover some outlaws or illegal migrants," Popkov said. "I don't think they would have uncovered a terrorist cell."
Russian police -- who did not have ad-hoc powers to search people's homes -- would sometimes turn back when an intractable resident refused to open the door.
"I know my rights, so I knew how to say no. When they went to my house, I immediately refused," Popkov said.
Those who allowed policemen in were asked to fill in elaborate forms "as if you were applying for a loan," he said.
The second wave of checks in November and December mostly targeted activists, who were forced to sign letters pledging not to commit misdemeanors during the games. Some activists said policemen told them they had a long list of people to pay special attention to -- including drug addicts, alcoholics, ex-convicts and activists -- but they had no idea who fit in which category.
