Reporter beaten and hospitalized after investigating gambling den reports

On 30 January 2023, a 69-year-old editor of a local newspaper and stringer for multiple media outlets was stopped by a group of unidentified men and then beaten with a large metal pole. The reporter was sent to hospital for what was described as "severe injuries" to his head and ear. His son told the media that 3 days prior to the assault the journalist was investigating reports of an illegal gambling den in the province, after receiving tip-offs from concerned residents. He believes that the attack on his father was a retaliation for his journalism, since he has no known conflicts or disputes with any other party.