Ukraine: Media Chief Beaten By Unknown Attackers

Kyiv, 13 July 2001 (RFE/RL) -- The head of a regional media group in Ukraine has been hospitalized after being beaten by unknown attackers. Interfax news agency said Oleg Velichko suffered a concussion and two broken ribs in the attack in the stairwell of his apartment building in Lutsk, western Ukraine. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Velichko is the head of Corporation Avers, which reports say includes television and newspaper outlets.

Ihor Oleksandrov, director of the independent television company Tor, earlier this month died of injuries suffered when he was beaten with clubs outside his office. President Leonid Kuchma has ordered a full investigation into Oleksandrov's killing.

A major aid donor to Ukraine, the United States, yesterday warned that Ukraine needs to do more to protect its journalists.