Gay rights activist assaulted in Ukraine capital

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A leading Ukrainian gay rights activist says he was hospitalized after being beaten during an apparent hate attack in the country's capital, Kiev.

Taras Karasiychuk, a top member of Gay Forum, said Saturday he sustained a concussion and a fractured jaw during the attack Thursday by a group of unidentified assailants, who screamed homophobic insults at him.

Police said Saturday an investigation is under way.

The incident comes a month after another violent attack on a member of the gay community caused an international outcry.

Ukraine was rocked by allegations of racism and xenophobia ahead of the start of this month's Euro 2012 football championships.

Officials deny the claims, but rights groups say Ukrainians, stung by economic hardship, are taking their frustration out on minority groups.