Kharkiv mayor shot in the back while swimming

Photo: AP photo

In connection with the wounding of the Mayor of Kharkiv, Gennady Kernes, the police filed a criminal case. The mayor himself was rushed to the city hospital for emergency care. He suffered a penetrating gunshot wound.

As reported on the official website of the Kharkiv city council, on Monday, at about 12 p.m., the Kharkiv Mayor received a gunshot wound in the back while swimming. "He is in the hospital emergency room; doctors are fighting for his life," officials said.

Kernes was shot while swimming in the springs in Kharkiv. "He has not changed his habit of swimming in the springs. They were waiting for him there," Zurab Alasaniya, CEO of the National Television and Radio Company, Zurab Alasania said.

Gennady Kernes is a lawyer, he holds a PhD in Public Administration. He took office as the Mayor of Kharkiv in October 31, 2010, having gained 30 percent of votes.