RFE BUREAU CHIEF ATTACKED IN ARMENIAN CAPITAL

Voice of America
Aug 20 2008

An unidentified man has assaulted the Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty
bureau chief in the Armenian capital Yerevan, in what appears to be
a politically motivated attack.

The broadcaster, in a statement, says Hrach Melkumian suffered bruises
and broken teeth in Tuesday’s incident. It says the attacker cursed
the radio and denounced its programs.

RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin called the incident "a targeted
attack on our people and our programs." He called for an immediate
investigation into what he said was the first physical attack on the
organization’s Armenian service.

Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty is funded by the U.S. government. It
broadcasts five hours of programming a day to Armenia via satellite
and FM radio.