A critic of the Sochi 2014 Winter Games who is running for Mayor of Sochi said he was doused with ammonia Monday in an attack he blamed on the Russian government.
Boris Nemtsov told Exho Moskvy radio he suspects Kremlin-backed activists carried out the attack in response to his criticism of Russia’s plans to host the 2014 Winter Games, reports the Associated Press.
In an open letter to President Dmitry Medvedev, Nemtsov said preparations for the Olympics will strain Sochi to the breaking point and suggested many events should be held elsewhere in Russia.
Nemtsov was attacked outside his campaign headquarters in Sochi, according to spokeswoman Olga Shorina.
Some of the ammonia got in his eyes but he apparently suffered no lasting injury she said.
Nemtsov also linked his attack to a critical report he said he and others are compiling that would “reveal the truth” about the Olympic preparations.
Meanwhile the Russian President said Monday the construction of all sports facilities in Sochi will be financed in full despite the global financial crisis, reports Ria Novosti.
