Female Ukrainian Activist and Journalist Beaten Near Kiev

A Ukrainian journalist was dragged by a group of men from her car and beaten on Christmas, near Kiev, authorities said.

Three suspects in the attack on Tetiana Chornovol have been identified; two are under arrest.

A dashboard camera in Chornovol’s car captured part of the attack on the 34-year-old journalist known for her muckraking investigations into corruption among senior state officials, according to the opposition Batkivshchyna party website. A still image from the dashboard camera footage showed the black SUV that struck Chornovol’s car moments before the assault.

Chornovol suffered a concussion, a broken nose, and has bruises sustained in the brutal attack. Pictures of her bloodied and beaten body rapidly circulated as the outcry grew:

On Thursday, the U.S. embassy in Kiev sharply condemned the beating in a statement. It called for an investigation, “which unlike previous such incidents must result in those responsible being held fully accountable under the law.”The embassy alleged that people were being targeted for their involvement in pro-European Union protests.

“These are unacceptable violations of civil liberties that have no place in a modern, democratic society,” the embassy said.

She had just written and published an report on the wealth of Ukraine’s Interior Minister Vitaly Zakharchenko and has been investigating other assets of political leaders. “I’m a person with a long list of enemies,” Chornovol told reporters. “Many people are trying to get me.”

The latest assault could increase tensions between the state and demonstrators who have braved sub-zero temperatures and set up tents and barricades in the city center to voice their opposition to closer ties with Russia.