Female.png (Photo : www.carbonated.tv)
KIEV - On Dec. 25, well-known female investigative journalist Tatyana Chornovol was driving to her home on the outskirts of Kiev when she was suddenly cut off by another car forcing her to stop. Two men jumped out of the car, smashed Chornovol’s car window, dragged her out of her vehicle and brutally assaulted her before throwing her into a ditch.
As a result of the attack, Chornovol suffered a concussion, fractured nose and lacerations to her face and lips. Photos of Chornovol at the hospital that were posted online show her swollen and bruised face.
According to U.S. media sources, just prior to the assault, Chornovol had posted a report online alleging that Interior Minister Vitaly Zakharchenko had built a luxury villa near to Kiev. She had also reported on the anti-government movement. Sources also report that in recent days, anti-government demonstrators have been subjected to a series of violent attacks.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry issued a statement saying that they had begun criminal investigations into the incident and had already confirmed the identities of three of the culprits, two of whom have already been arrested. Apparently, a dashboard camera in Chornovol's car was able to record parts of the incident, including the make and model of the vehicle that the attackers drove.
The incident has been condemned both here and abroad. On Dec. 26, protesters gathered at the Ministry of Interior accusing the government of using violence to intimidate protesters and demanding Zakharchenko’s immediate resignation. The U.S. embassy in Kiev also issued a statement condemning the assault and called for a full and thorough investigation that will bring the responsible parties to justice.
