Russian Journalist beaten to death for criticizing President Vladimir Putin

A Russian journalist, Nikolai Andrushchenko, who is a critic of President Vladimir Putin has died after a savage beating in St Petersburg. He died of his injuries six weeks after the attack, which has been linked to his coverage of corruption in the city.

The 73-year-old co-founder of Novy Peterburg Newspaper had been in a medically-induced coma since he was set upon by the gang.

Two years ago he helped produce a controversial documentary about Vladimir Putin's rise to power. 

Announcing Mr Andrushchenko's death, Denis Usov, editor-in-chief of the Newspaper, Mr Andrushchenko co-founded, has claimed a series of articles about corruption prompted the attack.

Andrushchenko, who built his reputation by reporting about human rights issues and crime, was attacked on March 9, and his attackers have not been identified. 

Daily Mail