Kyrgyz Journalist, Opposition Activists Beaten

An independent journalist and two activists of the opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party have been beaten in southern Kyrgyzstan, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

The attack occurred as Ata-Meken party coordinator Asylbek Tekebaev, an associate, and "Press-KJ" chief editor Abdubakhab Moniev returned on the night of March 15 from a gathering of supporters of jailed opposition leader Ismail Isakov in the district of Alay.

Tekebaev said the attackers blocked the men's car as it approached the town of Karool in neighboring Uzgen district. They broke the car's windows and severely beat the three men. They also took Moniev's tape recorder and video camera and told them that they "should behave themselves."

Tekebaev told RFE/RL that he is sure the attack was politically motivated. Local law enforcement officials declined to comment on the incident.

Tekebaev is the brother of Ata-Meken leader Omurbek Tekebaev.