Moscow, Jan 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Sergei Filin who suffered an acid attack Thursday is in stable condition, according to doctors. But he faces a long recovery period and multiple rounds of plastic surgery.
Filin, who suffered third-degree burns to his face and neck, was transferred out of intensive care, said Alexey Levchenko, assistant to Russian deputy prime minister Olga Golodets, Saturday, adding the artistic director was now able to walk independently and speak with his relatives.
A masked assailant approached Filin as the 42-year-old artistic director was heading home late and threw concentrated acid into his face.
Police have not yet identified a motive, but investigators believe the incident may be linked to internal theatre politics.
Filin, a former Bolshoi Ballet star, was appointed to his current post in March 2011, reportedly amid fierce rivalry.