13 Aug 2012 14:07

Kazakh journalist Baitalak robbed, beaten up - police

KOKSHETAU. Aug 13 (Interfax) - The Akmola region's police have re-created the picture of the attack on journalist Ularbek Baitalak.

The attack on Baitalak occurred near his house village of Karaotkel, an Astana suburb, in the early hours of August 8. He has now returned from Astana, the press service for the local police told Interfax.

"At home, he started drinking with the construction workers and then had a fight with his wife and decided to go to Astana at night. He walked out of the house and was attacked by several men. He did not see them and does not remember them," the press service said.

The attackers took the journalist's jacket and shoes, which were later found in the nearby bush, the police said.

Baitalak was drunk when he was taken to hospital, the press service said.

"The attack is unlikely to be connected to his professional activities," the source said.

The police are now looking for the attackers. A criminal case has been opened.

The journalist has written for the opposition newspaper Dat, the newspaper Chetvyortaya Vlast, and the magazine Altyn Tamyr.

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