The editor-in-chief of a Qatari Arabic daily was attacked Wednesday night by three assailants, reported the Gulf Times newspaper.
Witnesses said that three men entered the Al Watan newspaper’s office and insisted on meeting its editor-in-chief Ahmed Ali.
Once in his office, they locked the door and allegedly started beating him with a chain, they told the paper.
Alarmed by the cries from the room, the staff forced the door open, whereupon the men let go of the editor.
“One of the assailants then produced a gun, saying they would kill anyone who tried to stop them,” said one witness.
The trio left the office but three suspects were arrested shortly afterwards.
Ali received hospital treatment at the Accident and Emergency unit of Hamad Hospital for minor cuts and bruises.
An investigation into the incident is taking place under the personal supervision of the interior minister, said the paper.
Ali is known for often printing sharply critical articles, according to AFP.
In a recent editorial, Al Watan criticized Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiya, who has proposed making citizens pay for water and electricity, until now covered by the government, said the agency – Albawaba.com
