Leader Of Local Russian Opposition Group Attacked

KALUGA, Russia -- An unknown assailant reportedly attacked the local branch leader of the opposition Solidarnost (Solidarity) coalition in the Russian city of Kaluga today, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

Andrei Lupandin told RFE/RL the attacker tried to stab him when he entered his apartment building. Lupandin says he managed to fend him off and sustained only minor injuries. The attacker escaped.

Lupandin says he believes the attack is connected with his political activities. And he says the attacker may have been a member of a local ultranationalist group.

About a year ago, several unidentified assailants severely beat Lupandin in the street, but local police refused to launch an investigation into the incident.

Lupandin told RFE/RL he did not inform the police about today's attack, saying that he no longer trusts them.