A diplomat visited a Calgary hospital Monday, checking up on a Russian man who was severely beaten in a provincial jail.

Toronto Consul General Vladimir Pavlov of the Russian Federation said the young man’s condition is improving. Denis Telyakov, 24, is now able to respond to simple commands, but remains on a feeding tube in the Foothills Medical Centre.

Speaking through a translator, Pavlov said he wants more information about the situation.

Telyakov was in Calgary to study English. He was at the remand centre on a charge of uttering threats this summer when two inmates attacked him. He was taken to hospital in a coma.

Alberta’s solicitor general paid Telyakov’s medical bills until the charges were stayed on Sept.18. His sister, Elena Romanova, came to Calgary as soon as she heard about her brother’s injuries.

The Alberta government is offering her brother an air ambulance ride home, but she said she would prefer him to remain in Alberta. She wants help with the medical bills and what’s expected to be a lengthy recovery.

"I hope there is a justice and I hope our lawyers in our consulate will help to change this situation," she said.

Russian diplomats plan to meet with both federal and provincial officials this week to discuss the case.