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Alert

Journalist hospitalised after attack by youth group

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 3 March 2010 in Pathari, Morang district, a group of people attacked journalist Bivek Bhattarai, who works as a correspondent for the dailies "Aauzar" and "Janabidroha", which are published in Biratnagar.

This is the latest incident in a series of attacks against journalists and media entrepreneurs. The group attacked Bhattarai with the intention of taking his life. Bhattarai was attacked on the morning of 3 March as he was leaving his house. The assailants used razor sharp weapons in the attack. Bhattarai has sustained severe injuries to his head as well as other parts of his body. After receiving primary treatment in Pathari, he was taken to Biratnagar for further medical treatment.

In February, the sister organization of the Communist Party of Nepal Youth Force (Bikash Limbu group), attacked Bhattarai over one of his articles. A public offense case has been registered in the District Administration Office in Biratnagar. Bhattarai has said that the same group attacked him on 3 March.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) condemns the incident and demands the immediate arrest of those involved in attacking the journalist. FNJ urges the government to ensure that Bhattarai receives proper medical treatment while he is in the hospital.