A statement by Grigory Yavlinsky, Sergei Mitrokhin and Evgeny Vitishko, 29.12.2017

Andrei Rudomakha, director of the “North Caucasus Ecological Watch” environmental group, was brutally beaten by three unknown men wearing mask at about 10:00 pm yesterday.

Activist Victor Chirikov and a volunteer of the group were also attacked.

The environmentalists were on their way back from a public inspection of a summer cottage of a high-ranking federal official.

As soon as they left the car the attackers diffused pepper spray in the air and started beating Andrei Rudomakha. It is obvious that the attackers aimed at him – they beat him on the face with demonstrative violence using an unknown heavy object.

We are outraged at the violence of the crime. Rudomakha fainted but they continued beating him on the face and head, he lost much blood.

The attackers stole photo and video cameras, bags and personal belongings of the activists from the car.

When Andrei Rudomakha was taken to hospital he was diagnosed with open craniocerebral trauma, moderate cerebral contusion, fracture of skull.

We think that if the attackers are not found and brought to responsibility the lives of other public figures, politicians, journalists and activists in the region.

We demand that the law enforcement immediately investigate the attack and secure safety of the organisation staff.

We express our support and wish a speedy recovery to our friend Andrei Rudomakha on behalf of all Yabloko members.

Grigory Yavlinsky, Chair of Yabloko’s Political Committee
Sergei Mitrokhin, a member of Yabloko’s Political Committee
Evgeny Vitishko, Chair of the Krasnodar branch of Yabloko