Almaty, 17 April 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The head of an independent opposition newspaper in Kazakhstan has been hospitalized after he was attacked outside his home. Maksim Yerokhin was in serious condition and was receiving treatment for head injuries after the attack yesterday. His money and possessions were not taken.
Yerokhin is the editor and founder of the "Rabat" weekly in the southern Kazakh city of Shymkent. Deputy editor Aidar Isakov today said he believes the attack against Yerokhin was an attempt to intimidate the publication's staff. Isakov noted that the newspaper supports the political opposition, and covers scandals and controversial issues.
A series of attacks on media outlets in Kazakhstan over the past year have prompted criticism from international rights groups.
Yerokhin is the editor and founder of the "Rabat" weekly in the southern Kazakh city of Shymkent. Deputy editor Aidar Isakov today said he believes the attack against Yerokhin was an attempt to intimidate the publication's staff. Isakov noted that the newspaper supports the political opposition, and covers scandals and controversial issues.
A series of attacks on media outlets in Kazakhstan over the past year have prompted criticism from international rights groups.