Prominent Kyrgyz Lawyer Hospitalized After Beating

Ikramidin Aitkulov lies on the ground after the attack, from image on Facebook page of his brother Khansari Aitkulov.

BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz lawyer known for defending opposition activists and politicians has been severely beaten.

Unknown assailants attacked Ikramiddin Aitkulov near his house late on November 13.

He was rushed to hospital with a severe concussion and broken legs.

Aitkulov's brother, Khansar Aitkulov, told RFE/RL that his brother was initially in critical condition but that he regained consciousness on November 14.

Doctors say his condition has stabilized.

Aitkulov achieved prominence after he defended three leaders of the opposition Ata-Jurt (Fatherland) party, former Minister of Social Protection Ravshan Sabirov, and other Kyrgyz officials in recent trials.

Police in Bishkek's Sverdlov district have launched an investigation into the attack.