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Mother set to complaint to law-enforcers about beating of Zmitser Fedaruk

The mother of opposition youth Zmitser Fedaruk said that she was set to complain to law-enforcers about the beating of her son during a protest held in central Minsk on Wednesday night.

The 17-year-old leader of a youth opposition group called Malady Front was among several dozen opposition activists who staged an unsanctioned demonstration in downtown Minsk on Wednesday evening in protest against a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin and closer ties with the neighboring country. The youth was knocked off his feet and stomped on by riot police. He was rushed to Clinical Hospital No. 9, unconscious.

His health condition improved on Thursday, Katsyaryna Halitskaya, an associate, told BelaPAN.

"An X-ray test has showed that he has not sustained injuries to internal organs or any fractures, but he has a bruise on the face. Doctors confirmed that he has a brain concussion of medium severity and said that he must stay in bed for 10 days," Ms. Halitskaya said.

Medical tests reportedly established that Mr. Fedaruk does not have an abdominal injury as diagnosed earlier. However, the youth still has a great difficulty with walking and talking. According to Ms. Halitskaya, paramedics used a wheelchair to take him to the X-ray room.

The US Department of State condemned the beating.