Respected Russian journalist Oleg Kashin, who was attacked near his house on November 6, yesterday gave evidence to investigators on his attack.
Moscow-based news website Lifenews released a graphic video of the attack which left Kashin with a broken jaw, leg, fractured skull, and several crushed fingers. Doctors induced a coma.
According to newspaper reports, the journalist has been removed from intensive care, and gave his first interview to investigators on Wednesday. He reportedly described the attack and told investigators that he was targeted for his reporting.
It is widely believed that Kashin’s attack may have been related to his reportage on the government’s plans to build a road through the ancient Khimki forest.
As IPI reported last week, Khimki journalist Mikhail Beketov, who also raised public awareness about the forest, was crippled in a beating in 2008. Last week, a judge found him guilty of slandering the Khimki mayor, Vladimir Strelchenko, by accusing him of involvement in blowing up Mr. Beketov’s car. No one has been arrested for Mr. Beketov’s attack.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev condemned the attack on Kashin, and appointed the head of the Interior Ministry and the Prosecutor General to take the case under their special control. According to a transcript posted on the President’s website, Medvedev told reporters: “Whoever is responsible for this crime will be punished, regardless of their position.”