A series of attacks on foreign students in Penza
In November 2008, in Penza, not far from the city state university (PGU), five foreign students were attacked in three days - three Turkmens, a Syrian and an Indian. The attack on one of the citizens of Turkmenistan, Merdan, took place in Belinsky Park. Several men in white masks beat him. Merdan was hospitalized with a concussion. On November 10, a group of seven people in white masks ambushed 32-year-old Indian graduate student Masra Purajet at the exit of the hostel.