Investigation is working on five versions of assault against The Day's journalist. A statement to this effect was made by an official at the Zaliznychny District Militia Precinct in Lviv in the aftermath of an assault made against The Day's local journalist Oleksandr Syrtsov who was attacked by two men around twenty years old near his home while on his way to work Monday morning.
The investigating officers have questioned 24 witnesses and say that some gave "interesting testimonies." One of the reasons for the assault is believed to be "domestic."
Oleksandr Syrtsov, already discharged from the hospital and reportedly in a satisfactory condition, had this to say:
"I can only assume who is behind this assault, who ordered it and executed the order, because it looked like a contract job. They beat me up but did not take anything I had on me. Thus, I am inclined to consider that the reason has to do with my journalistic activities."
P.S.: Robert Menard, Secretary General of the Reporters Without Borders international organization for protection of the freedom of expression sent a letter to Ukrainian Minister of Justice Suzanna Stanyk, expressing concern over the incident. According to this organization, Oleksandr Syrtsov is "the author of numerous critical articles aimed against the local authorities."
President Kuchma on July 3 instructed the Procurator General and the Interior Minister to take the investigation under special control.






